Question:

The data below shows the concentration of nicotine smoked by a smoker taking 10 puffs/minute.

Graph: "Smoking Cigarette" - concentration of nicotine in blood (mg/cm3) plotted against time (minutes).

To which class of compounds does nicotine belong ? Name one other drug from the same class.



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Nicotine is a plant alkaloid; morphine, cocaine and caffeine are other alkaloids.
Updated On: Oct 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall the chemical nature of nicotine:
Nicotine is obtained from the tobacco plant. It is a nitrogen-containing, basic plant compound.

Step 2: Name the class:
Such plant compounds are called alkaloids. So nicotine belongs to the class of alkaloids.

Step 3: Give one more example:
Other drugs that are alkaloids are morphine (from the opium poppy), cocaine (from the coca plant), caffeine and atropine.
One example is enough here: morphine.

Step 4: Why the class matters:
Many alkaloids act on the nervous system and can cause dependence. This is why nicotine, morphine and cocaine are called drugs of abuse.

Final Answer:
Nicotine is an alkaloid. Another alkaloid drug is morphine (cocaine is also correct).
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