Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Toxins such as abrin and ricin are categorized as secondary metabolites. Reason (R): Unlike primary metabolites, they do not have known identifiable functions in the normal physiological processes of their host organisms. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the opti

Step-by-step solution

According to NCERT, abrin and ricin are secondary metabolites categorized as toxins. Thus, the Assertion is true. Primary metabolites have identifiable functions and play known roles in normal physiological processes. In contrast, we do not at the moment understand the role or functions of all secondary metabolites in host organisms. This lack of a known role in normal physiological processes is a defining characteristic that separates them from primary metabolites. Thus, the Reason is true and correctly explains t