CBSE Class 12 Biology 2023: question 32(b)
Set in the CBSE Class 12 board exam of 2023, paper 57/1/1, section E, question 32(b), for 5 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.
Q32(b) · 5 marks · Long answerHuman Health and Disease
(i) What is the chemical name of 'smack' ? Why is the consumption of smack considered as an abuse ?
(ii) Name the source plant and one effect of the following drugs on the human body :
(1) Marijuana
(2) Cocaine
(3) Morphine
Source: official question paper from cbse.gov.in (PDF). See it in the full 2023 board paper, set 57/1/1.
Hints
Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.
Hint 1
Smack is made from morphine by a simple chemical modification. Think of the name of that modified compound.
Hint 2
For the reason, think about dependence and about the drug's effect on body functions.
Hint 3
Cannabinoids come from Cannabis, cocaine from the coca plant and opioids from the poppy. Recall each one's main action, such as on the heart, on dopamine or as a sedative.
Step-by-step solution
Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.
- 1 mark
(i) The chemical name of 'smack' is diacetylmorphine (heroin). It is a white, odourless, bitter crystalline compound obtained by acetylation of morphine.
- 1 mark
Its consumption is treated as abuse because (1) it is highly addictive, so the user quickly becomes dependent on it, and (2) it is a depressant that slows down body functions. It is not taken for any medical purpose.
- 1 mark
(ii)(1) Marijuana: source plant is Cannabis sativa (inflorescence). Effect: cannabinoids affect the cardiovascular system of the body.
- 1 mark
(ii)(2) Cocaine: source plant is Erythroxylum coca (coca plant). Effect: it interferes with the transport of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which produces euphoria and a feeling of increased energy. Excessive doses cause hallucinations.
- 1 mark
(ii)(3) Morphine: source plant is Papaver somniferum (poppy plant, from its latex). Effect: it acts as a depressant/sedative and painkiller that slows down body functions.
Answer: (i) Diacetylmorphine; it is highly addictive and a depressant that slows body functions. (ii) Marijuana – Cannabis sativa, affects cardiovascular system; Cocaine – Erythroxylum coca, interferes with dopamine transport (euphoria); Morphine – Papaver somniferum, depressant/sedative, painkiller.
Where the marks are
- Chemical name of smack: diacetylmorphine (1 mark)
- Reason for abuse: highly addictive and a depressant that slows body functions (½ + ½ mark)
- Marijuana: Cannabis sativa and affects the cardiovascular system (½ + ½ mark)
- Cocaine: Erythroxylum coca and interferes with dopamine transport / euphoria (½ + ½ mark)
- Morphine: Papaver somniferum and acts as depressant/sedative/painkiller (½ + ½ mark)
Revise the chapter
- Chapter: Human Health and Disease (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)
More questions from Human Health and Disease
- 2025 board paper, set 57/1/1, Q17(A) · 2 marksHow are morphine and heroin related ? Mention their effect on the human body.
- 2023 board paper, set 57/5/1, Q20(b) · 2 marksWhy a malignant tumour considered to be more damaging than a benign tumour ? Explain.
- 2023 board paper, set 57/5/1, Q26(a) · 3 marks“Plasmodium protozoan needs both a mosquito and a human host for its continuity.” Explain.
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