Question

Claviceps purpurea grows as parasite :
A)In human gut
B)In sugarcane roots
C)One pine needles
D)On fruits of grasses

Answer 1

Hint: Human poisoning due to the eating of rye bread made from ergot-infected grain was widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages. These epidemics were referred to as the fire of Saint Anthony, or ignis sacer.

Complete answer:
The ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea spreads on the ears of rye and associated cereals and forage plants. In humans and other mammals, consumption of grains or seeds contaminated with the survival structure of this fungus, the ergot sclerotium, can cause ergotism. Outcrossing plants like rye (its most common host), as well as triticale, wheat and barley, are most frequently influenced by C. purpurea. Very rarely does it involve oats.

Ergotism is the name used to describe a severe pathological syndrome which affects humans or animals when ergot alkaloid-containing plant material is ingested, such as ergot-contaminated grains. The monks of St. Anthony's rank were trained in the care of ergotism patients with balms containing tranquilizing and circulation-stimulating herb extracts; they were also skilled in amputations. The common word used for ergotism is "St. For honoring the monks who cared for patients with ergotism, Anthony's Fire'. Because of this syndrome, there were occasional deaths also reported.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: Hallucinations and associated psychotic actions, convulsions, and even death can even be caused by the neurotropic behaviours of ergot alkaloids. Powerful uterine contractions, fatigue, seizures, and unconsciousness are other symptoms.