What is the synthetic derivative of quinine called?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the UCF BOT4850 Medical Botany Exam. Study with diverse question types and detailed explanations. Master key concepts and excel in your exam!

The synthetic derivative of quinine is called chloroquine. Quinine, originally derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, has been historically used to treat malaria. Chloroquine was developed to enhance the effectiveness and reduce the side effects associated with quinine, making it a more suitable option for treatment.

Chloroquine functions similarly to quinine but is more effective in the prevention and treatment of certain forms of malaria. It operates by disrupting the parasite's ability to metabolize and detoxify heme, an essential process for its survival. This modification allowed chloroquine to become widely prescribed and is still used in many parts of the world, although resistance has developed in some malaria strains.

The other options listed are not related to quinine: aspirin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, heroin is an opioid derived from morphine, and atropine is an alkaloid used in medicine primarily for its anticholinergic properties. Therefore, chloroquine stands out as the correct answer due to its established role as a synthetic derivative of quinine with medicinal applications in treating malaria.