Question:

Complete the statement: Phenolic compounds are A metabolites present in fruits and these are found mainly in the form of B
A and B, respectively are

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During food processing or crushing of fruits (such as wine-making or juice extraction), endogenous \(\beta\)-glucosidase enzymes are released.
These enzymes hydrolyze the \(\beta\)-glycosidic bonds, releasing the free, highly aromatic and bioactive phenolic aglycones.
  • Primary, \(\beta\)-glycosides
  • Secondary, \(\beta\)-glycosides
  • Primary, ester
  • Secondary, ester
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plants synthesize primary metabolites (such as sugars, amino acids, and lipids) essential for growth, as well as secondary metabolites that protect the plant against stress, pathogens, and UV radiation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

- Phenolic compounds (including flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids) are classic plant secondary metabolites (A) synthesized via the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways.
- Because free phenolics can be chemically reactive and toxic to the plant cell itself, plants attach sugar molecules (glycosylation) to stabilize them.
- Consequently, they are stored inside cell vacuoles predominantly as water-soluble \(\beta\)-glycosides (B) (specifically bound to D-glucose via \(\beta\)-linkages), which also reduces their toxicity and protects them from premature oxidation.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Phenolics are secondary metabolites present mainly as \(\beta\)-glycosides, which corresponds to option (B).
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