Michael Davis
Mushrooms and humans have more in common than meets the eye. While mushrooms may not move, reproduce sexually, or squeak when poked, they share key genetic traits with humans. Humans and mushrooms share about a quarter to half of their active genes, which is more than they share with plants. This is because mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago. Mushrooms also possess medicinal properties, aiding in the treatment of diseases such as cancer and even helping to save the bees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetic similarity | Humans share about a quarter to nearly 50% of their DNA with mushrooms. |
| Common ancestor | Humans and mushrooms share a common ancestor from over a billion years ago. |
| Carbohydrate energy storage | Both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen. |
| Vitamin D production | Mushrooms, like humans, produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. |
| Medicinal properties | Mushrooms possess medicinal properties that can help treat diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis. |
| Ecological importance | Mushrooms form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and play a critical role in soil formation and climate regulation. |
| Spiritual and cultural significance | Ancient cultures revered mushrooms for their psychedelic properties, and they continue to hold symbolic value in jewelry and art. |
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What You'll Learn
Humans and mushrooms share a quarter to half of their DNA
While mushrooms may look quite different from humans, we share more genetic traits with them than with plants. This is because fungi and animals are both Opisthokonts, and share a more recent common ancestor than either does with the lineage leading to plants. This ancestor was likely a single-celled organism with a flagellum, which allowed it to move.
The shared genetic traits between humans and mushrooms have practical implications. For example, both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants use starch to store energy. This is why the texture of mushrooms can sometimes feel like meat. Both fungi and insects use the polysaccharide chitin to build cell walls, while plants use cellulose. Mushrooms, like humans, also produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Research into the medicinal properties of mushrooms has revealed further similarities. Many varieties, such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, are renowned adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Some studies have found that mushrooms can help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression. Their healing abilities come from unique protein complexes and polysaccharides interacting with human cells. As herbal remedies, mushrooms offer natural alternatives to support human wellness that work in synergy with our bodies.
Mushrooms also demonstrate sustainable solutions through balanced interchange with the environment, as humans aim to live more regeneratively. They can break down waste materials through their enzymatic secretions and mycelial networks, allowing them to colonize and restore depleted soils, remediate pollution, break down plastics, and help curb climate change.
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Both produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight
Mushrooms and humans have more in common than one might think. While mushrooms may look quite different from humans, they share more genetic traits with mushrooms than with plants. Humans share about a quarter of their active genes with mushrooms, or nearly 50% of their DNA, according to some sources. This is because mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago.
One of the similarities between humans and mushrooms is that they both produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This is because, unlike plants, which use starch to store energy, both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen. This is just one of the ways in which mushrooms are genetically and biologically closer to humans than to plants.
Another similarity between mushrooms and humans is that they both possess medicinal properties. Many varieties of mushrooms, such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, are adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Research has also found that mushrooms can help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression.
Mushrooms also demonstrate sustainable solutions through balanced interchange with the environment, as humans increasingly aim to live more regeneratively. They can break down waste materials through their enzymatic secretions and mycelial networks, allowing them to colonize and restore depleted soils, remediate pollution, break down plastics, and help curb climate change.
The many similarities between mushrooms and humans, such as their ability to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, offer insight into the shared origins and interconnectedness between the two.
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Mushrooms have medicinal properties, like humans
Mushrooms and humans are similar in many ways. While mushrooms may appear quite different from humans, they share more genetic traits with mushrooms than with plants. Humans share about a quarter of their active genes with mushrooms, or nearly 50% of their DNA, according to some sources. This is because mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this kinship is the presence of medicinal properties in both mushrooms and humans. Many varieties of mushrooms, such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, are renowned adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Research has also found that mushrooms can help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression. Their healing abilities stem from unique protein complexes and polysaccharides that interact with human cells. As herbal remedies, mushrooms offer natural alternatives that work in synergy with our bodies to support human wellness.
The medicinal properties of mushrooms have been recognised for centuries, with ancient cultures revering their psychedelic compounds and ability to induce dream-like states. Today, research on psilocybin and other hallucinogenic mushroom compounds shows promise in treating mental health issues and facilitating psychological growth. Used ceremonially and with intention, mushrooms can aid in expanding consciousness and working through emotional blocks.
Additionally, mushrooms demonstrate sustainable solutions and a balanced interchange with the environment, mirroring humanity's aim to live more regeneratively. Their mycelial networks play a crucial role in breaking down waste materials, enabling mushrooms to colonise and restore depleted soils, remediate pollution, break down plastics, and help curb climate change.
The shared genetic traits and medicinal properties between mushrooms and humans highlight an intriguing connection that continues to be explored and understood further.
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They both evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity
The evolution of multicellularity, where separate cells come together to form a cohesive unit, is a significant milestone in the history of life on Earth. This process has occurred independently in different lineages numerous times, giving rise to the diverse array of multicellular organisms we see today. Fascinatingly, both mushrooms and humans are descendants of ancestors that underwent this transition to multicellularity, albeit through different mechanisms and resulting in distinct forms of complexity.
In the case of mushrooms, their ancestors were a type of filamentous fungus that evolved the ability to form multicellular structures known as hyphae. Hyphae are long, thread-like cells that can grow and branch out, forming a network called a mycelium. This transition to multicellularity in fungi is believed to have occurred primarily through the mechanism of cellular aggregation. Fungal cells aggregated and adhered to each other, forming these intricate hyphal networks. The mycelium allows for efficient resource acquisition, providing a competitive advantage and contributing to the success of fungi, including mushrooms, in various ecological niches.
On the other hand, the evolution of multicellularity in humans and other animals took a different path. Our ancestors were likely simple, unicellular organisms that gradually evolved the ability to stick together and form multicellular clusters. This transition is thought to have occurred through mechanisms such as cell adhesion and differentiation. Cells began to specialize, taking on specific functions and communicating with each other, ultimately leading to the development of complex tissues and organs. This process of multicellular evolution in animals involved genetic changes that regulated development, allowing for the precise control of cell division, differentiation, and organization.
While the specific mechanisms and outcomes differ, the shared feature of multicellularity between mushrooms and humans highlights a profound connection in the history of life. It showcases the independent evolution of complexity and the diverse strategies employed by different lineages to thrive and adapt to their respective environments. The evolution of multicellularity has opened up a myriad of opportunities for both kingdoms, leading to the vast array of species and ecological roles that we observe today.
This shared ancestral trait of multicellularity underscores the innovative and versatile nature of life on Earth. It serves as a reminder that despite the obvious differences between mushrooms and humans, there are underlying similarities that connect us through the intricate web of life. This connection highlights the importance of understanding the evolutionary processes that shape all life forms and the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of our world.
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Mushrooms can induce dreamlike states, aiding psychological growth
Mushrooms have long been a source of fascination for humans, and it's not just because they appear overnight as if by magic. Humans and mushrooms share key genetic traits that connect us. We share about a quarter of our active genes with mushrooms, and this kinship goes back to our shared origins over a billion years ago.
This connection is particularly evident in the way mushrooms can induce dreamlike states, aiding psychological growth and development. The psychedelic compound psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms, has been used in healing rituals for about 3,000 years. It was also used in Western medicine until 1971 when it was listed as a Schedule I substance.
Recent studies have revealed the potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin mushrooms. Research has shown that psilocybin induces changes in the brain that are similar to what happens when we dream. Specifically, psilocybin increases brain function in areas associated with emotion and memory, which are also the regions that are more active during dreaming.
By entering this dreamlike state, people may be able to work through emotional blocks and deal with the stresses of trauma or depression. This can lead to increased optimism, reduced self-centredness, and enhanced happiness that can last for months after the experience. The use of psilocybin mushrooms may also help unlock permanent shifts in perspective, aiding in psychological growth and a broader, less narrow-minded outlook.
The mystical and spiritual qualities of mushrooms have been recognized for thousands of years, and modern science is now beginning to validate these traditional beliefs. As research continues to explore the potential of psilocybin, we may discover even more ways in which mushrooms can support human psychological growth and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms and humans share key genetic traits that connect us. Humans share about a quarter of their active genes with mushrooms, or nearly 50% of their DNA.
Mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago. Mushrooms branched off on their evolutionary path but still retain genetic DNA remnants from our shared origins.
Both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants use starch to store energy. Mushrooms, like humans, produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Like humans, mushrooms have developed powerful medicinal properties. Many varieties, such as reishi, lion's mane, and chaga, are renowned adaptogens that can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. Mushrooms also possess an almost artistic, whimsical spirit, inspiring creativity in art, design, folklore and more.
Understanding the genetic and evolutionary similarities between mushrooms and humans can help us identify natural immunities that mushrooms have developed, which can then be extracted to help humans. Additionally, mushrooms demonstrate sustainable solutions through balanced interchange with the environment, providing a model for humans as we aim to live more regeneratively.
