Please address each part of the question fully and with full explanation. The la

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Please address each part of the question fully and with full explanation. The last person on chegg you answered this provided false information as I checked with my professor and I also would like explanation with each response please and thank you!

Biol4004-3 and GCD4005W 2. You and a friend are hiking in the woods and come across a community that grows and consumes two different types of 'magic mushrooms' from the species Psilocybe semilanceata and Amanita muscaria. P. semilanceata and A. muscaria are rich in light-insensitive retinal-like compounds whose structures are shown to the right. The community leaders inform you that they consume significant quantities of P. semilanceata when they want to experience the "pure white light of the universe" and A. muscaria when they want to be calmed by the "darkness". ?. semilanceata CH, CH, A. muscaria CH, CH, A) Based on what you learned in class and using only the space provided, predict the mechanism by which each compound causes the mushroom consumer to see either white light or experience total darkness. (4 points) i) P. semilanceata: ii) A. muscaria: B) Which enzymes might you target to reverse the effects of each compound? Briefly justify your prediction. (4 points) i) P. semilanceata: ii) A. muscaria:

Explanation / Answer

Answer to part A:

Psilocybe semilanceata: It is called as Magic mushroom belonging to the family of Hymenogastraceae which contains pschoactive compounds like Psilocybin, Psilocin, Baeocystin and Tryptamines.

Explanation for experiencing white light: Psilocybin exerts its effect by showing agonistic action on 5-HT2a (serotonin) receptors in the brain. Psilocybin causes distortion in the frontal cerebral cortex resulting in hallucinations, auditory, tactile or even olfactory false perceptions which are pleasant and exhilarating.

5HT neurons are present profusely in the midline raphe nuclei in the pons and medulla, cortex, limbic system, hypopthalamus and spinal cord. 5HT neurons are involved in various behavioral responses, feeding behavior, control of mood and sensation, control of sleep or wakefulness, control of sensory pathways, control of body temperature and vomiting.

These distorted sensory pathways, which misinterpretate even auditory impulses as visual impulses may result in experiencing white light when Psilocybe semilanceata is consumed

Amanita muscaria: It is called as fly amanita belonging to the family of Amanitaeae which contains (psychoactive compunds) Muscarine, muscinol and ibotenic acid, all of which have hallucinogenic properties.

Explanation for experiencing darkness: Due to high muscimol (than muscarine) and other isoxazole hallocinogenic compounds present in the A. muscaria which activate amino acid (5-Hydroxytryptamine or Serotonin) related receptors, Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA-more agonistic action on GABAc receptors than GABAa receptors) and block muscarine receptors in brain with a comprehensive hallucinogenic activity. Since, there is blockage of muscarine receptors, contraction of radial muscles occurs in the eye which leads to mydriasis (dilation of the pupil-which normally occurs in dark).

GABAa and GABAc agonistic action of Muscimol results in inhibitory action on CNS. GABA is a inhibitory neurotransmitter and its activation leads to CNS depression similar to the mechanism produced by Hypnotics, Sedatives and General anaesthetics llike Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines

This explains the Darkness experience in the victims who consume the poisonous mushroom A. muscaria

Note: It should be noted that Muscarine possess actions similar to parasympathetic innervation which causes Miosis. Thus the actions of Muscarine can be counteracted by Atropine, a parasympatholytic drug. But actions of muscimol cannot be reversed by Atropine and it is even contraindicated in this case.

Answer to part B:

Psilocybe semilanceata: Since, the actions of this mushroom is mediated by 5HT, the antagonists of 5HT (Ex. Methysergide) can be used to counteract psychedelic actions of Psilocybine. The enzymes like Monoamino oxidase which metabolises the 5HT can also be targeted to metabolise the 5HT into 5 hydroxyindole acetaldehyde. The enzymes Tryptophan hydroxylase and L aromatique amino acid decarboxylase can also be inhibited which produces Serotonin from L-Tryptophan.

All of the above drugs or enzymes, leads to decreased 5HT which results in reversal of psychedelic effects

Amanita muscaria: Since, GABA is involved in the psychedelic actions produced, GABA antagonists like Bicuculline, Gabazine, Flumazenil can be used. Enzymes like Gluatamte decarboxylase can be inhibited which produces GABA from Glutamate or 4-amino butyrate trasaminase can be increased to metabolise GABA into succinate semialdehyde

For counteracting 5-HT actions similar enzymes as discussed in the Psilocybine section can be used.

All of the above drugs or enzymes mediations results in decreased GABA content and lessening of the Hallucinogenic effects of the A. muscaria

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