Examination of Plant Poison
Examination of Plant Poison Quiz Crafted By-
Lakshay Kalra
Scientific Officer
Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science India Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi
Introduction to Examination of Plant Poison
There are several species of plants that are poisonous to humans. Toxins are metabolites produced by plants to defend themselves against threats. The major poisonous principles present in plants are organic compounds such as alkaloids, diterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac and cyanogenic glycosides, proanthocyanidins, phenylpropanoids, lignans, nitrogen-containing compounds, resins, oxalates, and certain proteins or amino acids. Toxic plants are of forensic significance, providing evidence in suicidal, criminal, burglary, and other criminal offenses.
Let's look at the questions and their answer.
Ques 1. Flowers of this plant are commonly used during festivals in India, but the stem is such poisonous that is illegally used to perform abortions.
a) Castor
b) Oleander
c) Calotropis
d) Dhatura
Answer- c) Calotropis
Ques 2. Fruit of which of the following plant is edible when ripened, but poisonous if eaten raw?
a) Blueberries
b) Elderberries
c) Cranberries
d) Bilberries
Answer- b) Elderberries
Ques 3. Which plant is commonly found in Kerala and because of its well-known poisonous nature, is used for murder and suicide?
a) Strychnos nux-vomica
b) Datura stramonium
c) Piper longum
d) Cerbera odollam
Answer- d) Cerbera odollam
Ques 4. Which of the following food plants are safe for humans, but is toxic if given to animals (cats, dogs, etc.)?
a) Onion
b) Garlic
c) Shallots
d) All of the above
Answer- d) All of the above
Ques 5. Eating which among the following type of mushrooms should be avoided?
a) Portobello Mushrooms
b) Psilocybin Mushrooms
c) Oyster Mushrooms
d) Paddy Straw Mushrooms
Answer- b) Psilocybin Mushrooms
Ques 6. Poisoning of Strychnos nux-vomica can be examined through which of the following tests?
a) Mandelin’s Test
b) Frohde’s Test
c) Marquis Test
d) Mayer’s Test
Answer- a) Mandelin’s Test
Ques 7. Which of the following are plant toxins?
a) Aconite
b) Aflatoxins
c) Amanitin
d) All of the above
Answer- a) Aconite
Ques 8. Oil of which of the following plant is commonly used, but its seeds are toxic if chewed?
a) Soyabean
b) Mustard
c) Castor
d) Sunflower
Answer- c) Castor
Ques 9. Vitali’s Test is not used for detection of poisoning which of the following?
a) Dhatura fastuosa
b) Nicotiana tabacum
c) Atropa belladonna
d) Brucine
Answer- b) Nicotiana tabacum
Ques 10. Toxin of which of the following plants is the most poisonous, such that it may cause poisoning even by touching with bare hands?
a) Digitalis purpurea
b) Abrus precatorius
c) Taxus baccata
d) Aconitum napellus
Answer- d) Aconitum napellus