Mushroom Toxins and Identification

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary and concepts related to mushroom toxins and their identification.

Death Cap

A highly toxic mushroom (Amanita phalloides) that can be lethal if ingested.

Death Angel

Another name for the Death Cap mushroom, known for its potent toxins.

Cyclopeptides

A group of toxins that cause cellular destruction and can lead to liver and kidney damage.

Coprine

A toxin found in Coprinus species that can cause unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed.

Muscarine

A toxin that activates the peripheral parasympathetic nervous system and can lead to severe symptoms.

Ibotenic Acid

A neurotoxin that is a potent agonist for the NMDA receptor and precursor to muscimol.

Psilocybin

A naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain mushrooms, converted to psilocin in the body.

Holobasidiomycetes

A class of fungi that includes many mushrooms known for their complex structure.

Spore Print

A method of identification in which the color and features of mushroom spores are examined.

Gills

Structures on the underside of mushroom caps that produce spores.

Stipe

The stalk of the mushroom, supporting the cap.

Volva

A cup-like structure at the base of some mushrooms, often indicative of toxicity.

Agaricales

An order of fungi that includes gilled mushrooms and many common edible species.

Gyromitrin

A toxin found in Gyromitra species that is harmful and can cause severe poisoning.

Toxins

Chemical compounds produced by fungi that can cause adverse health effects when ingested.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the nervous system affected by certain mushroom toxins, leading to distressing symptoms.

Central Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that can be affected by psychoactive mushroom compounds such as ibotenic acid and muscimol.

Antabuse-like reaction

A negative reaction to alcohol consumption in the presence of coprine, causing symptoms like flushing and nausea.

Magic Mushrooms

Mushrooms that contain psychoactive substances, primarily psilocybin and psilocin.

Orellanine

A toxin from Cortinarius species, with delayed symptoms that may not appear for several days.

Amanitin

A group of cyclic peptides that are highly toxic and inhibit RNA polymerase, leading to cell death.

Clitocybe

A genus of fungi known for containing muscarine and other toxic compounds.

Soma

A term used colloquially to refer to mushrooms, particularly those with psychoactive properties.