Ngo, Annie. “A photo
of my hand holding a cup of tea.” 2019
Caffeine is a product that many
people use in their everyday lives. It is a product that is found in coffee,
tea, and soft drinks (Schlager, N., Weisblatt, J., & Newton, D.E., 2006). It acts as a stimulant in the central nervous system and
therefore causes us to feel more awake when we consume this product (Pubchem, n.d.). Caffeine
is an odorless white powder that has a bitter taste (Pubchem, n.d.). What is known about
caffeine is that this product can become addicting as some people become
reliant on this stimulant which allows them to feel more awake. This product is
also a diuretic as it causes an increase of urination, which may result in
dehydration (Toxnet, n.d.).
Caffeine is naturally found in plants, such
as: coffee beans, tea leaves, and kola plants (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). It can also be produced
synthetically in a lab (Meta Cyc 1, n.d.). There are a few methods that can be used to extract
caffeine from plants. A common method includes boiling tea leaves in hot water,
then evaporating the water which then leaves the caffeine behind (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). Another
method which is similar to the first one can also be used, where instead of
using hot water, we can use an organic solvent, such as alcohol, to extract the
caffeine from the plant (Schlager, N. et al, 2006).
Adenosine,
which is a chemical that is found in our bodies, has a similar structure to
caffeine (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). When adenosine is bound to its proper receptors in the central
nervous system, it causes the feeling of sleepiness and drowsiness (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). Because
caffeine is similar in structure to adenosine, caffeine is able to bind to the
adenosine receptors and inhibit the effects of adenosine and promoting the
effects of caffeine (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). Caffeine improves the blood flow to our muscles, increases
our heart rate, and allows our airways to be more open. This is why we feel
more awake after consuming caffeine! (Schlager, N. et al, 2006).
References
Meta Cyc 1. (n.d.). Caffeine Biosynthesis. Retrieved from
https://biocyc.org/META/NEW-IMAGE?type=PATHWAY&object=PWY-5037
Pubchem (n.d.) Caffeine. Retrieved from
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Caffeine#section=Depositor-Supplied-Synonyms
Schlager, N., Weisblatt, J., & Newton, D. E. (2006). Chemical Compounds. Vol. 1. Detroit, MI: UXL. Retrieved from https://link-gale-com.libproxy.mtroyal.ca/apps/pub/5KMX/GVRL?u=mtroyalc&sid=GVRL
ToxNet. (n.d.). Caffeine. Retrieved from
https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+36