Question

Which of the following organisms is used for preparation of Isinglass?
A) Ichthyophis
B) Lungs
C) Fishes
D) Lizards

Answer 1

Isinglass is obtained from dried up swim bladders (Gas-filled organ that helps to control buoyancy) found in the class Pisces.

Complete answer:
Ichthyophis:- It is a limbless animal belonging to class Amphibia which is found in moist habitats. Since it doesn’t live underwater, it doesn’t have any swim bladders.
Lungs:-These are respiratory organs in most of the vertebrates. It is the primary organ in the respiratory system of the human body. It helps in the exchange of gases in the body.
Fishes:-These organisms belong to the class Pisces. These are primarily aquatic animals(both freshwater and marine). These animals have an organ called ‘swim bladders’ which helps them to float underwater. From these swim bladders, a substance is obtained called ‘Isinglass’ which is a form of collagen, mainly used for clarification of beer and wine.
Lizards:-These animals belong to the class Reptilia. Most of them are terrestrial and their bodies are covered in special skin made up of scales, bony plates or both in combination.

Hence, the correct answer is option C.

Note: Though most of the fishes have swim bladders but not all of them are used for obtaining Isinglass. The most intensively used fish for this purpose is Sturgeon(Beluga). Isinglass was very much in use in confectionery and desserts before gelatin came into the market. It was also used for parchment and painting(canvases) conservation.