Question

Aflatoxin is produced by the species of 
1. Aspergillus
2. Albugo
3. Mucor
4. Nostoc

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Aspergillus

Explanation:

• Aspergillus is a Fungus genus that belongs to the class Ascomycetes or the sac fungi.
• It includes several species like A. Proliferans, A. Fumigatus, A.Flavus & A. Niger
• The Species Aspergillus Flavus secretes toxic substances called Aflatoxins, these are carcinogenic i.e. they can cause cancer
• Exposure to these toxins can result in stunted growth in children and a higher risk of liver cancer.
• The most toxic aflatoxin amongst all is the Aflatoxin B1.
• High temperatures and humid climates or stressful conditions like drought make the environment favorable for these fungi to produce aflatoxins.
• Detection of Aflatoxins in humans can be done by the following two methods:
• Measurement of the AFB1-guanine adduct in the urine of the suspected person.
• Measurement of the AFB1-albumin adduct level in the blood serum.

• Albugo: It is a fungus genus belonging to the class Oomycetes. One of the species called Albugo candida or Crystopus Candidus causes the white rust disease in the members of the Cruciferae family 
• Mucor is a member of Phycomycetes that is found in aquatic habitats and on decaying wood in moist and damp places or as obligate parasites on plants.

• Nostoc: It is a prokaryotic cell as it lacks the true nucleus and other eukaryotic characters. It is called cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. The main function of Nostoc is to fix atmospheric nitrogen with the help of specialized cells called Heterocyst