Tobacco plants
produce nicotine naturally.
Nicotine is found naturally in the tobacco plants Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica, primarily in the leaves and stems. Nicotine is an alkaloid, a type of organic compound. It is chemically related to cocaine and morphine.
Purpose
The nicotine in tobacco plants protects them against insects that might otherwise eat them. Nicotine has a bitter taste and is poisonous to many insects.
Mechanism
On a chemical level, nicotine attaches to receptors in nerves. It causes the nerves to fire more often. Insects, being both smaller than humans and more sensitive to nicotine, have a stronger reaction. For insects, the rapid firing of nerve cells can be instantly lethal.
Amount and Location
A tobacco plant contains approximately 0.5 to 8 percent nicotine. Nicotine is synthesized in the roots and transported up to the leaves, where it is stored.
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