Dietary supplements and decongestants containing ephedrine have recently become more strongly regulated in the United States. Which phylum contains the plant from which ephedrine is extracted?

• A. Phylum Anthopyta
• B. Phylum Coniferophyta
• C. Phylum Ginkgophyta
• D. Phylum Cycadophyta
• E. Phylum Gnetophyta

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that ephedrine is a compound extracted from certain plants, and the question is asking about the phylum of the plant that produces it.
2. Recognize that the plant from which ephedrine is extracted is Ephedra, which is a genus of gymnosperm shrubs.
3. Recall that gymnosperms are seed-producing plants that do not form flowers or fruits, and they are divided into several phyla.
4. Identify that the phylum Gnetophyta includes the genus Ephedra, which is known for producing ephedrine.
5. Conclude that the correct phylum for the plant from which ephedrine is extracted is Phylum Gnetophyta.