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Amanita muscaria: Difference between revisions
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== Differentiation == | == Differentiation == | ||
One of the major dangers of amanita muscaria is misidentifying it as a different species of mushroom. Several other mushrooms in the genus amanita are toxic and cause 90% of all fatal mushroom poisonings see '''figure 2'''. One such mushroom, the amanita phalloides, better known as the death cap, contains α-amanitin and β-Amanitin, both of which are extremely potent RNA polymerase II and RNA polymerase III inhibitors which damage virtually every tissue in the body. As the name suggests, the amanita muscaria contains the chemical muscarine, a muscarinic acetylcholine agonist which is known to cause seizures; however, the mushroom contains very low amounts that are highly unlikely to pose any significant harm. | One of the major dangers of amanita muscaria is misidentifying it as a different species of mushroom. Several other mushrooms in the genus amanita are toxic and cause 90% of all fatal mushroom poisonings see '''figure 2'''. One such mushroom, the amanita phalloides, better known as the death cap, contains α-amanitin and β-Amanitin, both of which are extremely potent RNA polymerase II and RNA polymerase III inhibitors which damage virtually every tissue in the body. As the name suggests, the amanita muscaria contains the chemical muscarine, a muscarinic acetylcholine agonist which is known to cause seizures; however, the mushroom contains very low amounts that are highly unlikely to pose any significant harm. | ||
== Identification == | |||
Found in forests from July to October, this Amanita has a symbiotic relationship with various trees, and is most often found under pines, spruces, and birches. The problem with the identification of the Amanita (and this is a general mushroom rule) is that rain may alter its appearance considerably by washing away its patches or draining its vibrant red to a paler shade. With these more superficial characteristics erased, it can easily be mistaken for an innocuous or edible look-alike. Beware of look-alikes! | |||
== Pharmacology == | == Pharmacology == | ||