Consider the following statements:

1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
2. Some mushrooms have psycho-active 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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Certain mushrooms have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. Medicinal mushrooms that have an anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effect include maitake (Grifola frondosa), shiitake (Lentinus edodes), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and turkey tail (Trametes versicolor).

Statement 2 is correct

• Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties. For example, Psilocybin, found in magic mushrooms, is a naturally occurring psychedelic drug that induces hallucinogenic effects. It alters perception, thinking, sense of time, and emotions, causing hallucinations.

Statement 3 is correct

• Certain mushrooms produce natural compounds that act as insecticides, deterring or killing insects. Mushrooms such as Lactarius fuliginosus and Lactarius fumosus have insecticidal properties.

Statement 4 is correct

• Bioluminescence is the ability of a living organism to produce and emit light. mushrooms (e.g., Armillaria, Mycena) emit light. A few years back, a mushroom documentation project in the forests of Northeast India revealed not only 600 varieties of fungi but also led to the discovery of a bioluminescent variety of mushrooms. The new species — named Roridomyces phyllostachydis — was sighted in Meghalaya’s Mawlynnong in East Khasi Hills district and later at Krang Shuri in West Jaintia Hills district. It was a new species from the genus Roridomyces, and was also the first-ever fungus in this genus to be discovered in India. It is now one of the 97 known species of bioluminescent fungi in the world.

Answer: (d) All four; Difficulty Level: Easy