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?
- AOnly one
- BOnly two
- COnly three
- DAll fourCorrect
Explanation
Let's evaluate each statement regarding mushrooms:
-
Some mushrooms have medicinal properties: This statement is correct. Many mushroom species, such as Reishi, Shiitake, Chaga, and Cordyceps, have been traditionally used and are being studied for their medicinal properties, including immune-boosting, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory effects.
-
Some mushrooms have psycho-active properties: This statement is correct. Certain mushroom species, commonly known as 'magic mushrooms', contain psychoactive compounds like psilocybin and psilocin, which can induce altered states of consciousness.
-
Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties: This statement is correct. Some fungi, including certain mushroom-forming species or their close relatives, produce compounds that are toxic to insects or are parasitic to insects (e.g., entomopathogenic fungi like Beauveria bassiana). These can be used as biological pest control agents.
-
Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties: This statement is correct. There are several species of fungi, including some mushrooms (e.g., Mycena species, Panellus stipticus), that exhibit bioluminescence, meaning they glow in the dark due to chemical reactions within their cells.
Since all four statements are correct, the answer is 'All four'.

Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 2023GS1science-and-technology
Consider the following statements: 1. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature above the boiling point of water. 2. Some microorganisms can grow in environments with temperature b…
- Prelims 2023GS1science-and-technology
Consider the following actions: 1. Detection of car crash/collision which results in the deployment of airbags almost instantaneously 2. Detection of accidental free fall of a laptop towards the groun…
- Prelims 2023GS1science-and-technology
With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements: 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or po…
- Prelims 2023GS1science-and-technology
'Wolbachia method' is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?
- Prelims 2023GS1science-and-technology
'Aerial metagenomics' best refers to which one of the following situations?
- Prelims 2023GS1science-and-technology
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: India, despite having uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its electricity production. Statement-II: Uranium, enriched to the extent of at leas…