Emily Johnson
Mushrooms are a type of fungus with a three-stage life cycle. The mushroom mycelium is the vegetative body of the fungus, existing underground or in wood, soil or other materials. The mushroom fruit body, on the other hand, is the reproductive structure of the fungus, producing spores for reproduction. The mushroom mycelium is the primary stage of the mushroom life cycle and can live for months, years or even centuries. It is composed of intricate filaments that are only one cell wall thick. The mushroom fruit body is the above-ground portion that is commonly identified as a mushroom, with its cap and stem. It is perishable and can rot within days. So, are mushrooms the fruit of mycelium?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Mycelium is the primary stage of the mushroom life cycle and the longest-living part of the organism. |
| Mushroom fruit bodies are the reproductive structure of a larger fungal organism. | |
| The mushroom's fruiting body is the part that is visible above the ground. | |
| The mycelium is the vegetative body of the fungus, accessing resources and growing through its environment. | |
| Life Cycle | Mushrooms have a three-stage life cycle similar to plants. |
| The first stage starts with spores, which germinate and grow mycelium beneath the surface, which bears a fruiting body. | |
| The mushroom fruit body is the reproductive stage that produces spores, similar to how a plant's flower produces pollen or seeds. | |
| The mushroom fruit body is temporary but recurring, while the mycelium can live for months, years, or decades. | |
| Uses | Mycelium is used as the "seed" in the mushroom cultivation process, grown on a carrier material like millet, rye, or wheat ("grain spawn"). |
| Mushroom supplements derived from fruit bodies use this grain spawn as a base for cultivating the mushrooms. | |
| Supplements derived from mycelium involve growing mycelium on grain, which is then dried and ground into mushroom powder. | |
| Mycelium has been used to create artificial leather, furniture, and packaging. | |
| Benefits | The mushroom fruit body contains higher levels of key constituents like beta-glucans, which support the immune system. |
| Mycelium also contains valuable compounds and has benefits for human health. | |
| Mycelium is vital for the health and growth of plants in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, contributing to soil health and nutrient cycling. | |
| Mycelium can be used for mycofiltration, acting as a biological filter to remove chemicals and microorganisms from soil and water. |
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What You'll Learn
The mushroom life cycle
Mushrooms are a type of fungal organism with a three-stage life cycle:
Spores
The spores are the reproductive cells of the mushroom, similar to the seeds of a plant. They are released from the fruiting body of another fungal organism as a means of reproduction. If the spores land on a favourable substrate (or growth medium), they can germinate and develop into mycelium.
Mycelium
The mycelium is the primary stage of the mushroom life cycle and the longest-living part of the organism. It consists of intricate filaments that grow through the substrate, absorbing nutrients and expanding exponentially. The mycelium can live for months, years, or even centuries, and it generates the fruit body when the circumstances are favourable.
Fruitbody
The fruitbody is the reproductive structure of the mushroom, also known as the cap and stem. It is the part of the mushroom that is typically visible and identifiable. The mushroom channels its energy and nutrients into developing the fruitbody, which then produces spores and releases them into the environment for propagation, starting the life cycle anew.
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Mycelium's role in ecosystems
Mycelium is a root-like structure of fungi, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. It is the vegetative body of a fungus, responsible for the growth and development of the fruiting body, or the "mushroom". Mycelium plays a crucial role in ecosystems, contributing to their health and sustainability. Here are some key aspects of mycelium's role in ecosystems:
- Nutrient Absorption and Exchange: Mycelium secretes enzymes that break down complex organic molecules from sources like branches, leaves, dead animals, and insects into digestible nutrients. This process allows mycelium to absorb and use these nutrients for growth. Additionally, mycelium forms symbiotic relationships with plants, exchanging sugars and nutrients. Mycelium can collect nutrients from complex organic molecules, which plants cannot access on their own. In exchange, plants provide mycelium with energy from the sun in the form of sugar. This mutualistic relationship is particularly important in forest ecosystems.
- Connectivity and Biodiversity: Mycelium forms vast underground networks that connect plants, mushrooms, and other organisms. These networks contribute to the overall connectivity and biodiversity of the ecosystem. By inoculating soils with mycelium, native plants, trees, bees, and other wildlife benefit, ultimately supporting the health of the entire ecosystem.
- Decomposition and Composting: Fungi, through their mycelium, play a vital role in decomposing organic compounds and converting biomass into compost. This process helps in the natural recycling of nutrients and improves soil fertility. Mycelium can also break down certain organic contaminants, such as petroleum products and pesticides, through a process called mycoremediation, thereby helping to eradicate pollutants from the environment.
- Soil Stabilization and Erosion Control: Mycelium has adhesive properties due to its ability to secrete corrosive enzymes that break down and colonize organic substrates. This allows mycelium to act as a natural binder, holding disturbed soil in place and preventing washouts until plants can become established.
- Sustainable Resource: Mycelium is being explored as a sustainable resource in various applications. Its lightweight, biodegradable structure, and ability to be grown from waste sources make it a promising material for construction, furniture, and even artificial leather. Mycelium-based bio-composites have shown higher strength-to-weight ratios compared to conventional materials, and it does not release toxic resins during fires.
- Benefits to Pollinators: Research has indicated that mycelium provides health benefits to bees and other native pollinators. Mycelium acts as a source of resistance against bacteria, harmful fungi, and viruses, contributing to the immune health of these important ecosystem contributors.
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Medicinal mushroom supplements
Mushrooms are a type of fungus with a three-stage life cycle: spores, mycelium, and fruit bodies. The mushroom mycelium is the vegetative body of the fungus, which grows through its environment, accessing resources and nutrients. The mycelium is the longest-living part of the organism, capable of surviving for centuries. Eventually, when conditions are favourable, the mycelium generates a fruit body, which is the above-ground, easily recognisable part of the mushroom.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries, especially in Asia, for the treatment of various diseases and the maintenance of physical well-being. They exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulating properties. In Western countries, the use of medicinal mushrooms is less common in conventional medical institutions, but they are widely employed in complementary and alternative medicine.
When it comes to mushroom supplements, there are two main types: those derived from fruiting bodies and those derived from mycelium. The fruiting body is the reproductive structure of the mushroom, containing higher concentrations of biologically active compounds, such as beta-glucans, which support immune function. However, the mycelium also offers benefits to human health and is often emphasised as less beneficial due to its less familiar appearance.
Some popular medicinal mushrooms used in supplements include:
- Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Known as the "mushroom of immortality", it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and is now listed in various pharmacopoeias worldwide. Reishi-based products include nutraceuticals, supplements, functional foods, and cosmeceuticals.
- Chaga (Inonotus obliquus): Along with Reishi, Chaga is often included in mushroom supplement blends and is known to bolster the immune system, promote longevity, and support overall health.
- Lion's Mane: This mushroom is commonly found in supplement form, marketed to support brain health, cognitive performance, and overall wellness.
- Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor): This mushroom variety is often included in mushroom supplement blends and is believed to provide immune support and promote overall health.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of medicinal mushroom supplements may vary, and more clinical trials are needed to establish their safety and efficacy.
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Mushroom cultivation
After inoculation, the substrate is placed in an environment with specific conditions, such as temperature, light, humidity, and airflow, that are optimal for the chosen mushroom species. This stage is known as the spawn run, during which the substrate becomes fully colonized by the mushroom mycelium. Mycelium is the primary stage of the mushroom life cycle and can live for months, years, or even centuries. It forms a filamentous web that serves as the vegetative body of the fungus, allowing it to access resources and grow through its environment.
Once the substrate is fully colonized, small mushrooms called "primoidia" will appear, marking the pinning stage. At this point, the substrate with the primoidia is moved to an environment that promotes fruiting. Fresh air should be introduced, with a carbon dioxide content of 0.08% or lower. The fruiting body is the reproductive structure of the mushroom and includes the cap, stem, gills, skirt, scales, and volva. It is the part that we typically identify as a mushroom.
The harvest of cultivated mushrooms typically begins 15 to 21 days after casing, which is 7 to 8 weeks after composting starts. Mushrooms are delicate and labour-intensive to harvest, and they are typically picked over a period of 2 to 4 days in a 7- to 10-day cropping cycle, also known as a flush. After harvesting, the spent mushroom substrate is pasteurized with steam to prevent pests and pathogens from contaminating subsequent crops.
For those interested in cultivating mushrooms at home, it is recommended to start with oyster mushrooms, as they are the easiest species to grow. Purchasing a mushroom cultivation kit can also be helpful for beginners to understand the process.
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Mycelium's use in manufacturing
Mycelium, the vegetative body of a fungus, has been identified as a next-generation material with low negative environmental impact throughout its life cycle. Mycelium-based materials are renewable, biodegradable, and can be grown in under a week. These characteristics have led to the development of mycelium-based packaging, which serves as an eco-friendly alternative to polystyrene and plastic packaging. IKEA, for example, has committed to using mycelium packaging, partnering with Ecovative to create mushroom packaging called MyoComposite. Grown Bio, another company, uses a 3D-printed reusable mould made from a biopolymer, filled with agricultural waste, water, and mycelium, to create packaging with high shock absorbance and insulation properties.
Mycelium-based materials have also been considered for acoustic dampening applications. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) and many individual species from the phylum class Basidiomycetes are under particular consideration for this purpose.
Furthermore, mycelium has gained traction in the fashion industry as a sustainable alternative to leather. Companies like Mycoworks, Ecovative, and Sqim (Ephea/Mogu) have collaborated with renowned fashion houses such as Givenchy, Deadwood Studios, Hermès, and Stella McCartney to create mycelium leather garments and accessories.
Mycelium's ability to mimic animal materials has also led to its exploration in the development of alternative meat products. This aligns with the global trend towards sustainability and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from animal husbandry and manufacturing construction materials.
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Frequently asked questions
Mycelium is the vegetative body of the fungus, which is a network of thread-like filaments that grow beneath the surface.
The mushroom fruit body is the reproductive structure of the fungus, which includes the mushroom cap, stem, gills, skirt, scales, and volva.
Yes, the mushroom fruit body is the fruit of mycelium. The mycelium is the primary stage of the mushroom life cycle and the longest-living part of the organism. The mushroom fruit body is the reproductive stage that produces spores.
Mushroom mycelium is a good source of valuable compounds and offers benefits to human health. It also serves a vital role in ecosystems by decomposing organic compounds and contributing to soil health.
There is an ongoing debate among supplement makers about which part of the mushroom is more beneficial. Some experts favor using the fruiting bodies due to higher concentrations of certain compounds, while others argue that mycelium is also a valuable source of compounds. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences and specific needs.
