Biomolecules Question 28

28. Concanavalin $A$ is:

[2019]

(a) an alkaloid

(b) an essential oil

(c) a lectin

(d) a pigment

Show Answer

Answer : c

Hints & Solutions

(c) Concanavalin A is a secondary metabolite, e.g. lectin. Lectin is a mannose/ glucose-binding protein isolated from Jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis). They are not antibodies and do not originate in an immune system but bind specifically to carbohydratecontaining receptors on cell surfaces (as of red blood cells).