Question
Biology Question on biological classification
Which one of the following fungi contains hallucinogens?
A
Morchella esculenta
B
Amanita muscaria
C
Neurospora sp.
D
Ustilago sp.
Answer
Amanita muscaria
Explanation
Solution
Amanita muscaria is a member of class Basidiomycetes. It is a poisonous mushroom and has hallucinogenic properties. It produces a toxic alkaloid, muscarine, which mimics the effects of acetylcholine and binds to muscarinic receptors as well as ibotenic acid which also binds to different receptors. This leads to excitation of neurons bearing these receptors and hence hallucinations.