Paper II
Question
Mycotoxins
Answer
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi, particularly when growing on stored food grains under conditions of poor storage, causing disease (mycotoxicosis) following ingestion of contaminated food.
Important examples:
- Aflatoxins — produced by Aspergillus flavus/A. parasiticus, contaminating groundnuts/maize; aflatoxin B1 is a potent hepatocarcinogen.
- Ochratoxin A — nephrotoxic, implicated in Balkan endemic nephropathy.
- Ergot alkaloids — produced by Claviceps purpurea on rye; causes ergotism.
- Trichothecenes and zearalenone — produced by Fusarium species.
Significance: an important food-safety concern, contributing to acute poisoning outbreaks and long-term cancer risk.