Question

: ‘Ergot' is obtained from
A. Puccinia
B. Rhizopus
C. Claviceps
D. Yeast

Answer 1

Hint: It consists of ergotoxine and other alkaloids which helps in stimulating the functioning of the smooth muscle.

Complete answer:
-Claviceps grow on rye plants and produce alkaloids.
-If the contaminated grains are eaten it will result in ergotism in humans.
-They are found mostly in tropical regions with about 50 known species.
-The ergot is also called sclerotia which forms the spore of fungal species.
-It may affect circulation and neurotransmitters.
-These fungi affect various plants including millet, sorghum, eye, etc.
-Claviceps will occur during the cold weather which is followed by rainy springs.
-Ergot contains a large amount of alkaloid called ergotamine.
-When sclerotia are connected to the rye plants thin they will be re-removed from the shifting.
-Sclerotia is a hardened mycelium of fungi which consists of reserve food.
So, the correct answer is ‘Claviceps'.

Note: Ergotism can be very fatal if caused severely. Earlier ergot was known as the daughter of blood. The first outbreak of ergotism occurred in various regions, like Perigord, Angoumois, etc. It was the first time attributed to the poisoning in grain. In 1596 by Wendelin Thelius. The evolution in Claviceps had taken place during the mid-cretaceous period, around 100 million years ago resulting in plant parasitism. The first amber fossil of a grass spikelet along with the ergot-like parasitic fungi was discovered in 2014.