Many heterocyclic amines occur naturally in what?
animals
gases
nuclei
plants
nucleic acids, which in turn compose the genetic material of cells and direct protein synthesis. (For more information about nucleic acids, see Chapter 19 "Nucleic Acids". ) Many heterocyclic amines occur naturally in plants. Like other amines, these compounds are basic. Such a compound is an alkaloid, a name that means “like alkalis. ” Many alkaloids are physiologically active, including the familiar drugs caffeine, nicotine, and cocaine.