Sarah Brown
Mushrooms and humans share key genetic traits that connect us. Humans and mushrooms share about 50% of their DNA, which is why mushrooms have a meaty texture and taste. This is because 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. Fungi, including mushrooms, are more closely related to animals than plants. They share genetic characteristics that plants do not have.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Evolutionary Relationship | Humans and mushrooms are both eukaryotic organisms, sharing a common ancestor that lived over a billion years ago. However, they belong to different kingdoms: humans are in the Kingdom Animalia, while mushrooms are in the Kingdom Fungi. |
| Cellular Structure | Human cells have distinct organelles and complex structures, typical of animal cells. Mushroom cells, on the other hand, have a unique chitin-based cell wall and lack many of the specialized organelles found in animal cells. |
| Nutrition and Feeding | Humans are omnivores, consuming a varied diet that includes plants and animals. Mushrooms are saprotrophic, obtaining their nutrients by breaking down dead organic matter, particularly lignin and cellulose. |
| Digestion | Humans have a complex digestive system, with specialized organs and processes to break down and absorb nutrients. Mushrooms secrete enzymes to digest their food externally, absorbing the resulting nutrients directly through their cell walls. |
| Reproduction | Human reproduction involves sexual reproduction and the development of a complex embryo. Mushrooms typically reproduce asexually through spores, which are dispersed and can germinate to form new mushroom mycelium. |
| Life Cycle | Humans have a linear life cycle, progressing from birth to death. Mushrooms have a more complex life cycle, involving spore dispersal, germination, and the growth of hyphae and mycelium before fruiting bodies form. |
| Ecology | Humans are highly adaptable and can thrive in diverse ecosystems. Mushrooms play a critical role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and facilitating nutrient cycling in soils. |
| Genetic Similarity | While humans and mushrooms share some common genes due to our distant common ancestry, we are vastly different organisms with distinct genetic codes. |
| Practical Applications | Humans have long used mushrooms for food and medicine, and they are also studied for their potential in bioremediation and biotechnology. |
| Intelligence | Humans possess advanced cognitive abilities and self-awareness, while mushrooms exhibit simple response behaviors to external stimuli. |
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What You'll Learn
Humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA
Mushrooms, or fungi, are more closely related to humans than to plants. While it is not entirely accurate to say that humans and mushrooms share 50% of their DNA, they do share a significant amount of genetic material. This is because mushrooms and humans evolved from ancestors engaged in multicellularity over a billion years ago.
Paul Stamets, a mycologist and author, told WBUR that "humans share nearly 50% of their DNA with fungi". This claim is supported by the fact that both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants use starch. Furthermore, both fungi and insects use the polysaccharide chitin to build cell walls, whereas plants use cellulose. Interestingly, mushrooms, like humans, produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Fungi and animals share genetic characteristics that plants do not have. For instance, some mushrooms have the ability to move or crawl, and this motility is achieved through flagella, similar to the way a sperm cell moves. This is something that plants cannot do.
The close relationship between humans and mushrooms can also be seen in their shared ability to form symbiotic relationships. Fungi form vital symbiotic relationships with plant roots through their mycelial networks, allowing for the flow of information and resources between different species. Similarly, humans thrive through social bonds and communion with each other and the natural world.
Additionally, mushrooms possess medicinal and psychedelic properties that have been revered by ancient cultures and are now being explored for their potential in treating mental health issues and facilitating psychological growth. Like humans, mushrooms have an artistic and whimsical spirit, inspiring creativity in various forms.
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Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants
Mushrooms, or fungi, are more closely related to animals than they are to plants. Fungi share genetic characteristics with animals that they do not share with plants. For instance, fungi and animals are both Opisthokonts, and share a more recent common ancestor than either does with the lineage leading to plants.
In 1998, scientists discovered that fungi split from animals about 1.538 billion years ago, whereas plants split from animals about 1.547 billion years ago. This means that fungi and animals split up a mere 9 million years apart, whereas plants and animals split up 1.547 billion years ago. This makes fungi and animals equally related to plants, but more related to each other.
Genetic studies show that there may be a common ancestor from which both animals and fungi evolved. In 1993, researchers Baldouf and Palmer published a paper titled 'Animals and fungi are each other's closest relatives: congruent evidence from multiple proteins'. They compared 25 proteins and their DNA sequences. Paul Stamets, a mycologist and author, told WBUR that humans share nearly 50% of their DNA with fungi.
Fungi and animals share a common ancestor that branched away from plants around 1.1 billion years ago. This ancestor was likely a single-celled organism that exhibited sperm-like characteristics and later developed a stronger cell wall. This is why mushrooms sometimes feel like meat and can have a meaty taste.
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Mushrooms possess medicinal properties, aiding human wellness
Mushrooms, or fungi, are more closely related to humans than plants. They share genetic characteristics that plants do not have. Humans share nearly 50% of their DNA with fungi. This is because fungi and animals share a more recent common ancestor than either does with the lineage leading to plants.
Mushrooms possess medicinal properties that aid human wellness. They are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Oyster mushrooms, for example, are known for their stores of the compound ergothioneine, an unusual amino acid with powerful antioxidant properties. A review of 17 cancer studies from 1966 to 2020 shows that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Researchers found that incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your risk of cancer.
Lion's Mane is another mushroom that has become a well-established candidate for promoting cognitive function. The primary health benefits of Reishi mushrooms, or Ganoderma lingzhi, are to aid sleep and act as potent immunomodulators. The polysaccharides in Reishi mushrooms are associated with immune function, and if taken over time, Reishi can significantly support the immune system. Reishi was listed as the most cherished among the superior herbs, which are considered to support a long life, support healthy aging, boost qi, and make the body light. Chinese Taoist monks wrote of using it to promote calmness, as well as to enhance their meditative practices. Chinese royalty used Reishi to promote longevity and held this “mushroom of immortality,” in high esteem.
Mushrooms are mainly composed of β-glucans and are among the most studied mushroom bio-compounds. PSP possesses immunomodulating, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, as reported by several in vitro and in vivo studies and some clinical trials. β-glucans in A. blazei are the main constituents that stimulate the immune system and also act as antitumorals against myeloma and hepatic cancer in in vivo and in vitro studies. Several animal studies and clinical experience have demonstrated that A. blazei possesses antitumor and immunological enhancement activity, and the fungus is also effective for the treatment of diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypotension, and hepatitis.
An aqueous extract, particularly rich in polyphenols, of shiitake, was tested on human tumor cell lines of laryngeal carcinoma (Hep-2) and cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) for assessing its antiproliferative activity. The extract displayed high free radical scavenging and catalase-like and cytotoxic activities, as well as the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis.
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Mushrooms and humans share a common ancestor
Fungi, including mushrooms, share genetic characteristics with animals that are not found in plants. This genetic relationship suggests that fungi and animals share a more recent common ancestor than either group does with plants. Indeed, it is believed that fungi and animals share a more recent common ancestor than any other kingdom, including plants, bacteria, and protists (algae).
The common ancestor of fungi and animals is thought to have been a single-celled organism possessing both animal and fungal characteristics, such as sperm-like features and a stronger cell wall. This ancestor likely diverged from the lineage leading to plants over a billion years ago, with animals and fungi separating at a later point in time.
The genetic similarities between mushrooms and humans are reflected in several ways. For example, both mushrooms and humans store carbohydrate energy as glycogen, while plants use starch. Additionally, mushrooms and humans produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and both use similar structures for mobility, such as flagella, which resemble a whipping tail.
The discovery of the shared ancestry between mushrooms and humans highlights the complex and intriguing relationships between different organisms. It also underscores the importance of genetic analysis in unraveling the evolutionary history of life on Earth.
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Mushrooms can induce dreamlike states, aiding psychological growth
Mushrooms, or fungi, are more closely related to humans than plants. Fungi share genetic characteristics with animals that plants do not have. Humans and mushrooms are nearly 50% genetically similar. This is because fungi and animals share a more recent common ancestor than either does with the lineage leading to plants.
Fungi have been deemed 'critical for the survival of life on this planet' by mycologist and author Paul Stamets. Indeed, mushrooms have been shown to have a positive impact on human psychological growth and development.
Certain species of mushrooms contain psilocybin, a psychedelic compound that induces changes in the brain akin to those that occur during dreaming. Psilocybin elicits brain activity in regions associated with emotion and memory, causing a dreamlike state. This state has been described by some as a "waking dream".
The dreamlike state induced by psilocybin can aid in dealing with the stresses of trauma or depression. It can help suppress self-deceiving noise that impedes our ability to change and grow. The overlap between dreaming and psychedelic states induced by mushrooms supports the idea that they can induce dreamlike experiences with long-term benefits for psychosocial functioning and well-being.
Further clinical studies are required to fully understand the therapeutic outcomes related to the acute dreamlike effects of psychedelic mushrooms. However, the potential of psilocybin in treating depression and anxiety is promising.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are closer to humans than plants. Fungi, including mushrooms, are more closely related to animals than plants.
Humans and mushrooms share about 50% of their DNA.
Both mushrooms and humans have developed powerful medicinal properties. Mushrooms can boost immunity, fight tumours, lower inflammation, and support brain health. They can also help alleviate conditions like anxiety and depression.
Humans and mushrooms share a common ancestor that lived over a billion years ago. Mushrooms branched off on a separate evolutionary path but retained genetic DNA remnants from our shared origins.
