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GS Paper IUPSC Prelims 1998
Health & Medicine
Question No. 398Interactive Test Mode
00:00
+2-0.66

Q398. Ergotism is due to consumption of:

Ergotism is due to consumption of:

Select the correct option below (or cross out options to eliminate)
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Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution

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Official UPSC Answer KeyUPSC Prelims 1998 • Science and Technology

Correct Answer: Option (A) — contaminated grains

Concept & Option Breakdown

Standard Reference Verified

Ergotism (historically called St. Anthony's Fire) is a toxic condition caused by ingesting cereal grains (especially rye and wheat) contaminated with the parasitic fungus Claviceps purpurea (ergot). The fungus forms dark sclerotia containing toxic ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine) that induce hallucinations, seizures, severe vasoconstriction, and gangrene.

Elimination Heuristic & Exam Approach

Ergot is a well-known fungal disease of cereal grass grains.

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Question Specifications & Syllabus Mapping

Examination & YearUPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 1998 (Q398)
Paper & Marking SchemeGS Paper I • 2 Marks (-0.66 Negative for incorrect response)
Syllabus Subject & TopicScience and Technology → Health & Medicine
Official Answer KeyOption (A) — contaminated grains

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1999 • Q49382% Match

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Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Prelims 1998 Q398

What is the official answer for UPSC Prelims 1998 GS Paper I Question 398 (Science and Technology)?

The official UPSC answer key for this 1998 Science and Technology (Health & Medicine) question is Option (A): "contaminated grains". Correct attempts carry 2 Marks with -0.66 Negative penalty for wrong answers.

Which UPSC Prelims syllabus topic does this 1998 question belong to?

This question belongs to GS Paper I under the subject "Science and Technology" and micro-topic "Health & Medicine". You can explore all repeated questions from Health & Medicine in Acme AI's 3D Prelims PYQ Realm or practice 50 full-length and sectional tests in the APT Prelims Test Series.

How can I solve this Health & Medicine UPSC Prelims question using option elimination?

Ergot is a wellknown fungal disease of cereal grass grains.

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