Question

Which one of the following fungi contains hallucinogens?

• A. Morchella esculenta
• B. Amanita muscaria
• C. Neurospora sp.
• D. Ustilago sp.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Amanita muscaria

Amanita muscaria is a mushroom which shows hallucinogenic property.

Hallucinogen is the psychoactive agent that causes hallucination. It can be found in some plants and mushrooms.

Amanita muscaria or fly amanita is a mushroom and psychoactive basidiomycete fungus 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.

So, the correct answer is option B.