🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2023Sustainable Development

Consider the following statements:1. Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.2. Some mushrooms have psychoactive properties3. Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.4. Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.How many of the above statements are correct?

aOnly one
bOnly two
cOnly three
dAll four
✓ Correct answer: d) All four
ExplanationStatement 1 is correct: Mushrooms possess antibacte- rial properties, enhance the immune system, and aid in lowering cholesterol levels.Moreover, they serve as significant reservoirs of bioactive compounds.Consequently, certain mushroom ex- tracts are utilised to support human health and are available in the form of dietary supplements.Statement 2 is correct: Psychoactive properties refer to sub- stances that influence brain function, resulting in alterations in mood, awareness, cognition, emotions, or behaviour.Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic compound found in specific mushrooms com- monly known as magic mushrooms.Statement 3 is correct: In recent times, there has been a grow- ing discovery of insecticidal compounds within mushrooms.Statement 4 is correct: Bioluminescence refers to the genera- tion and release of light by living organisms.Panellus stipticus stands out as one of the most luminous bioluminescent mush- rooms found on our planet.The newly discovered species, desig- nated as Roridomyces phyllostachydis found in Meghalaya, now joins the ranks of the 97 recognised t

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