Claviceps purpurea

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Claviceps purpurea

Claviceps purpurea (pronunciation: kla-vi-seps pur-pu-rea) is a fungus that infects various grass species, particularly rye. It is known for its production of the toxic alkaloids, which can cause a disease in humans and other mammals known as ergotism.

Etymology

The term "Claviceps" is derived from the Latin words "clava" meaning club and "ceps" meaning head, referring to the club-shaped appearance of the fungus. "Purpurea" is Latin for purple, describing the color of the mature sclerotia.

Description

Claviceps purpurea is a parasitic fungus that forms purple-black, elongated structures known as sclerotia in the ovaries of infected plants. These sclerotia contain toxic alkaloids, including ergotamine and ergonovine.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Claviceps purpurea involves two stages: the sexual stage and the asexual stage. The sexual stage occurs in the spring when the sclerotia germinate to produce ascospores, which infect the ovaries of grass flowers. The asexual stage occurs in the summer when the infected ovaries produce conidia, which are spread by insects and wind to infect other plants.

Impact on Human Health

The consumption of grains contaminated with Claviceps purpurea can lead to a condition known as ergotism. Symptoms of ergotism include hallucinations, fever, and gangrene. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Related Terms

  • Ergotism: A disease caused by the consumption of grains contaminated with Claviceps purpurea.
  • Sclerotia: The hardened mass of fungal mycelium that contains the toxic alkaloids produced by Claviceps purpurea.
  • Ergotamine: A toxic alkaloid produced by Claviceps purpurea.
  • Ergonovine: Another toxic alkaloid produced by Claviceps purpurea.

External links

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