Question

Natural sweetener Thaumatin is isolated from fruits of ____.

• A. Thaumato cumminsii
• B. Thaumatococcus daniellii
• C. Thautococcus brazzeana
• D. Synsepalum dulcificum

Hint:

Thaumatin is unique because it is a protein, not a carbohydrate. This makes it suitable for diabetics. Do not confuse it with Stevia (from a leaf) or Miraculin (from the miracle berry).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the scientific name of the plant species that produces the intense natural protein sweetener known as Thaumatin.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Thaumatin: This is a mixture of intensely sweet proteins. It is about $2000$ to $3000$ times sweeter than sucrose by weight. It is used as a high-intensity sweetener and flavor enhancer (E957).

• Botanical Source: Thaumatin is found in the arils (fleshy part around the seed) of the Katemfe fruit. The plant is a large flowering herb native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa.

• Scientific Name: The plant is scientifically named {Thaumatococcus daniellii.

• Other Options:
- Synsepalum dulcificum (D): This is the "Miracle Berry," which produces the protein Miraculin (not Thaumatin). Miraculin makes sour foods taste sweet.
- Options (A) and (C) contain spelling errors or incorrect genus names.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The botanical source of Thaumatin is Thaumatococcus daniellii.