Question

Medicines are either man made (i.e., synthetic) or obtained from living organisms like plants, bacteria, animals etc. and hence the latter are called natural products. Sometimes natural products are chemically altered by man to reduce toxicity or side effects. Write against each of the following whether they were initially obtained as a natural product or as a synthetic chemical.
a. Penicillin ___________________________
b. Sulfonamide ___________________________
c. Vitamin C ___________________________ .
d. Growth Hormone ___________________________

Answer 1

Penicillin

Penicillin is an antibiotic produced naturally by certain Penicillium moulds (a genus of ascomycetes fungi). Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928 during the Second World War which then became the first antibiotic to be used by doctors. This is very effective in reducing many bacterial infections caused by Staphylococci and Streptococci.

Final answer: Natural product

Sulfonamide

Sulfonamide, also called Sulfa drugs, are synthetic antibiotics. Sulfonamide stops the growth of bacteria by interfering with the synthesis of folic acid.

Final answer: Synthetic chemical

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is a natural product found in citrus fruits, certain vegetables etc. and is an important nutrient in animals and humans

Final answer: Natural product

Growth hormone

Growth hormone is a natural hormone that is produced by adenohypophysis or anterior pituitary. It regulates the growth of the body by promoting protein anabolism, increasing muscle
mass and reduction and redistribution of the body fats.

Final answer: Natural product