Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2023 · Science and Technology · Question 26

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

Answer

All four

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties — Correct. Many mushrooms such as Ganoderma (reishi) and Lentinula edodes (shiitake) are studied/used for therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects.

2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties — Correct. Species like Psilocybe contain psilocybin, a psychoactive compound.

3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties — Correct. Certain fungi/mushrooms produce toxins that can kill insects; some are used in biocontrol against insect pests.

4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties — Correct. A number of mushroom species, such as Mycena and Omphalotus, naturally emit light.

Hence, all four statements are correct.