The causative agent of ergotism, a disease affecting rye and other cereals, is: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The causative agent of ergotism, a disease affecting rye and other cereals, is:
A. Puccinia graminis
B. Claviceps purpurea
C. Alternaria solani
D. Ustilago maydis
Answer: Option B
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
Ergotism is caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which infects the ovaries of rye and other grasses, replacing the seeds with hard, dark sclerotia (ergots). These sclerotia contain potent alkaloids (like ergotamine) that cause severe vasoconstriction and neurological symptoms in humans and animals consuming contaminated grain. Ustilago causes smut, and Puccinia causes rust.

Discuss this Question (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!

Practice More Biology Questions

Question #1
Spermatogenesis occurs in which part of the male reproductive system?
A. Vas deferens
B. Epididymis
C. Seminiferous tubules
D. Prostate gland

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Spermatogenesis is the process of formation of sperm cells (spermatozoa) from undifferentiated spermatogonia. This process occurs exclusively in the seminiferous tubules, which are highly coiled tubes located within the testes. The epididymis is where sperm mature and are stored, and the vas deferens transports them.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #2
The 'Blood-Brain Barrier' (BBB) is formed primarily by the tight junctions between the endothelial cells of capillaries in the brain and the surrounding:
A. Ependymal cells
B. Oligodendrocytes
C. Microglia
D. Astrocytes

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) is a highly selective semipermeable border that protects the brain from many substances in the blood. It is primarily formed by the tight junctions between the endothelial cells of the brain's capillaries. These endothelial cells are closely associated with the foot processes of astrocytes (a type of glial cell), which induce and maintain the tight junctions, restricting the passage of large molecules, toxins, and pathogens into the brain tissue.

This question belongs to: Science Biology
Question #3
Which enzyme in pancreatic juice is responsible for digesting proteins into peptides?
A. Nuclease
B. Pancreatic amylase
C. Trypsin
D. Pancreatic lipase

Correct Answer: Option C


Explanation:
Pancreatic juice contains inactive enzymes like trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and procarboxypeptidase. When trypsinogen enters the small intestine, it is activated into trypsin by the enzyme enterokinase (secreted by the intestinal mucosa). Trypsin then digests proteins into smaller peptides. Pancreatic amylase digests carbohydrates, and lipase digests fats.

This question belongs to: Science Biology