Question

The major phytochemicals present in leaves of Camellia sinensis are:
A. Epicatechin gallate
B. Caffeine
C. Theobromine
D. Epigallocatechin gallate
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B, and C only
• B. B and D only
• C. A, B and D only
• D. B, C and D only

Hint:

When a question asks for "major" components and all listed options are technically present, look for the ones that are most abundant or most characteristic. In tea, EGCG and Caffeine are the stars. Theobromine is more associated with cacao ({Theobroma cacao}).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the major phytochemicals found in the leaves of {Camellia sinensis}, the plant used to make tea. This involves knowing the main chemical constituents of tea.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The chemical composition of tea leaves is complex, but the major bioactive components fall into two main categories: polyphenols (specifically flavonoids) and alkaloids.

Polyphenols (Catechins): These are the most abundant compounds. The major catechins in tea are Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Epigallocatechin (EGC), Epicatechin gallate (ECG), and Epicatechin (EC). Both (A) Epicatechin gallate and (D) Epigallocatechin gallate are very significant components. EGCG is typically the most abundant.

Alkaloids (Methylxanthines): The primary alkaloids are caffeine and theobromine. (B) Caffeine is a major component, responsible for tea's stimulating effects. (C) Theobromine is also present, but typically in much smaller quantities than caffeine.

Step 3: Analysis of Options:
All four listed compounds are present in tea leaves. However, the question asks for the "major" phytochemicals, and the options require us to select a subset of three.

(A) Epicatechin gallate, (B) Caffeine, and (D) Epigallocatechin gallate are all present in high concentrations and are considered major components.
(C) Theobromine, while present, is considered a minor alkaloid compared to caffeine in {Camellia sinensis}.
Therefore, the best option that groups the most significant components is the one that includes A, B, and D, while excluding the least abundant one, C.
The combination of A, B, and D represents the key catechins and the primary alkaloid, making it the most accurate choice for "major phytochemicals".
Step 4: Final Answer:
The most appropriate answer is (C) A, B and D only, as it includes the most abundant catechins and the primary alkaloid, while excluding the minor alkaloid theobromine.