UPSC Prelims 2023 · Question 26 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2023 question on Mushroom Properties

Consider the following statements:

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.

2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties.

3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.

4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.

How many of the above statements are correct?

  1. Only one
  2. Only two
  3. Only three
  4. All four
Show answer

Answer: D. All four

Verdict

All four statements are correct → Option (d) All four.

Statement by statement

Statement 1 – CORRECT: Pleurotus or 'oyster mushroom' possesses medicinal properties and health-promoting effects. These species have been used as medicinal mushrooms for long time since they contain several compounds with important pharmacological/nutraceutical properties.

Statement 2 – CORRECT: Psilocybin or magic mushrooms are naturally occurring and are consumed for their hallucinogenic effects. They are psychedelic drugs which can affect all the senses, altering a person's thinking and sense of time and emotions.

Statement 3 – CORRECT: An increasing number of mushrooms have been found to contain insecticidal compounds. Among these are species of Lactarius (Russulaceae), which react to wounding by exuding a milky fluid and/or color change reactions (Ramsbottom, 1954), which could be a warning reaction.

Statement 4 – CORRECT: Some mushrooms use luciferins — light-emitting compounds found in other glowing animals and plants — to attract insects.

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