UPSC Prelims 2023 Question on –Medicinal, Psychoactive & Bioluminescent
Q. 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?
✅ Correct Answer: [D] All four
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct. Mushrooms such as Shiitake, Maitake, and Reishi possess medicinal properties, including immune-boosting and antioxidant benefits.
Statement 2: Correct. Certain mushrooms contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound that can cause altered perception and hallucinations.
Statement 3: Correct. Several mushroom species have been found to contain insecticidal compounds.
Statement 4: Correct. Some fungi exhibit bioluminescence, producing visible light. Examples include Panellus stipticus and the recently discovered Roridomyces phyllostachydis in Meghalaya.
