Secondary metabolites such as nicotine, strychnine and caffeine are produced by plants for their :

1. Nutritive value

2. Growth response

3. Defence action

4. Effect on reproduction

Doubtly Asked 30 Oct 2026 NEET UG 2020 Practice test neet Save WhatsApp Report

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Answer: 3. Defence action

Key idea: Secondary metabolites are not needed for basic growth but have ecological roles.

Nicotine, strychnine and caffeine are alkaloids that protect plants against herbivores and pathogens, i.e., defence action.

Doubtly AI · 30 Oct 2026 AI-generated · not yet verified Report

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