Question

Antinutrients found in plant food which causes hemagglutination:

• A. Lectins
• B. Phytates
• C. Oxalates
• D. Lactates

Hint:

Lectins are largely destroyed by moist heat (boiling). Consuming undercooked kidney beans can lead to food poisoning specifically because of active lectins.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Antinutrients are natural compounds in foods that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.

• Hemagglutination: The clumping together of red blood cells (erythrocytes).

• Phytohemagglutinins: A specific class of proteins that bind to carbohydrates.

Step 1: Understanding Lectins.
Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins found in many plants, especially legumes. They are also known as hemagglutinins due to their biological activity.

Step 2: The mechanism of hemagglutination.
Lectins bind to the sugar molecules on the surface of red blood cells. This binding causes the red blood cells to stick together or "clump."

Step 3: Comparing other antinutrients.
Phytates and Oxalates primarily interfere with mineral absorption (like Calcium and Iron). Lactates are salts of lactic acid and are not typically considered antinutrients. Final Answer: (A)