John Miller
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and while they may be more commonly associated with vegetables, they are actually more closely related to humans than plants. In fact, humans share nearly 50% of their DNA with fungi. This close genetic relationship has important implications for medicine, as it means that fungi may hold the key to treating a range of human diseases, from cancer to infections in endangered honeybee populations. Beyond their medicinal value, mushrooms also play a critical role in our ecosystem, breaking down waste and recycling nutrients back into the soil, without which plants would be unable to survive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetic composition | More similar to humans than to plants |
| Ability to produce vitamin D | Similar to humans |
| Percentage of shared DNA | Nearly 50% |
| Susceptibility to viruses | Similar to humans |
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What You'll Learn
- Humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA
- Mushrooms can break down waste and recycle nutrients into the soil
- Mushrooms can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, just like humans
- Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines for thousands of years
- Mushrooms are used in modern-day health and beauty products
Humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA
Mushrooms are part of the fungal kingdom, and while they might not seem very similar to humans, genetically, they are more similar to us than plants. In fact, humans and mushrooms share nearly 50% of their DNA.
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. The lineage that would become fungi and animals was over a billion years removed from the plant lineage when the first true plants appeared.
The genetic composition of mushrooms is actually more similar to humans than plants. For example, when exposed to sunlight, mushrooms can produce vitamin D, just as humans can. Mushrooms can also break down and produce minerals and other nutrients that plants cannot produce, in exchange for carbohydrates generated by photosynthesis.
The study of fungi is considered critical for the survival of life on Earth. Fungi build soils, and without them, we wouldn't have food. By studying the natural immunities that fungi have developed, we can extract them to help humans. For example, by extracting the fine tissue of two different species of mushrooms, researchers have found a way to strengthen bees' immunity against viruses carried by mites.
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Mushrooms can break down waste and recycle nutrients into the soil
Mushrooms are part of the fungal kingdom and play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They are responsible for breaking down waste and recycling usable nutrients back into the soil. This process is known as mycoremediation or mycorrhization.
Mushrooms have the unique ability to secrete enzymes that break down complex substances like lignin and cellulose, turning them into simpler forms that can be absorbed by other organisms. This process facilitates the release of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients locked inside dead organic matter. The newly released nutrients are then absorbed by the mushroom's mycelium and redistributed into the soil ecosystem.
This recycling of nutrients is vital for maintaining soil fertility and nutrient cycling, which in turn benefits plant growth and overall ecosystem health. Without mushrooms, the accumulation of organic matter would impede nutrient recycling, leading to decreased plant growth and biodiversity loss.
Additionally, mushrooms can play a role in remediating contaminated soil. In an experiment in Marathon County, Wisconsin, researchers successfully grew good-quality fungi on an oil-loaded block of land, demonstrating the potential for mushrooms to break down and remediate toxic substances in the soil. This technique has also been used to decontaminate soils from pesticides and polyesters.
The ability of mushrooms to break down waste and recycle nutrients into the soil has been recognized for centuries, with early records of their use in traditional Chinese medicine for their health and medicinal properties.
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Mushrooms can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, just like humans
Mushrooms are part of the fungal kingdom and play an important role in our ecosystem. Interestingly, the genetic composition of mushrooms is more similar to humans than to plants. A fascinating example of this similarity is that mushrooms, like humans, can produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight or UV radiation.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for human health, and it can be obtained through sun exposure or dietary sources. Mushrooms, when exposed to sunlight or UV radiation, become an excellent source of vitamin D2. This is because they contain high concentrations of provitamin D2, which is a precursor to vitamin D. When exposed to sunlight or UV radiation, the provitamin D2 in mushrooms is converted to previtamin D2, which then isomerizes to vitamin D2 in a similar manner to the production of vitamin D3 in human skin.
The process of vitamin D production in mushrooms was first observed by researchers who noticed significant increases in vitamin D levels when mushrooms were exposed to sunlight. In one experiment, shiitake mushrooms were dried outdoors with their gills facing upwards to maximize sun exposure. The vitamin D levels in these mushrooms soared from 100 IU/100 grams to nearly 46,000 IU/100 grams. This increase in vitamin D content makes mushrooms a valuable dietary source of this nutrient.
Vitamin D is known for its role in maintaining bone health and preventing conditions like rickets. By exposing mushrooms to sunlight or UV radiation, it is possible to enhance their vitamin D content and, consequently, their nutritional value. This discovery has led to the exploration of vitamin D-fortified foods and beverages, such as milk, orange juice, and bread, to ensure adequate vitamin D intake for those who may not obtain enough through sun exposure or diet alone.
The ability of mushrooms to produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight is a remarkable example of the similarities between mushrooms and humans. This trait, along with their genetic composition, highlights the unique relationship between these two seemingly distant life forms. By understanding and appreciating these connections, we gain insights into the intricate workings of nature and the potential health benefits that mushrooms have to offer.
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Mushrooms have been used in traditional medicines for thousands of years
The use of mushrooms in traditional medicines has been recorded in various ancient texts. For example, the alchemist Tao Hongjing, from the 5th century, described several medicinal mushrooms, including ling zhi and zhu ling, some of which were reportedly used by Shennong many centuries earlier. In traditional Chinese medicine, ling zhi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum or reishi, has been used to promote well-being and longevity since ancient times. It was included in Shen Nong’s Materia Medica (206 BC-8 AD) and is now listed in the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Therapeutic Compendium.
Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions, including cancer, diabetes, allergies, and inflammation. They have also been used as hepatoprotective agents, immune-potentiators, and dietary supplements. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in the therapeutic and health benefits of mushrooms, with modern science rediscovering the medicinal properties of mushrooms that ancient cultures knew long ago. Mushrooms are now among the most commonly used integrative, complementary, and alternative therapies, especially in the field of oncology and in Asian countries, where mycotherapy has ancient and deep-rooted origins.
The medicinal properties of mushrooms are likely due to their relationship with microbes. While mushrooms did not evolve to become medicine for humans, they evolved to survive their own predators, producing chemicals that are also active in humans. This coevolution with our environment and our medicines has likely provided evolutionary advantages to humans.
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Mushrooms are used in modern-day health and beauty products
Mushrooms are increasingly being used in modern-day health and beauty products, from skincare to hair care and even supplements. Their use in these products is not entirely new, as they have been used in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia, for centuries.
In the beauty industry, mushrooms are being incorporated into serums, creams, facial peels, hair products, and even coffee blends. They are touted to have skin-brightening, moisturizing, and protective properties, as well as the ability to reduce inflammation and minimize the signs of aging. For example, Chaga mushrooms, which grow on birch trees, are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to block the production of dark spots on the skin. Tremella mushrooms, or snow mushrooms, are rich in moisturizing polysaccharides.
The use of mushrooms in these products is driven by consumer demand for natural, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients. Mushrooms fit this narrative as they are renewable, require minimal resources to grow, and offer a natural alternative to synthetic ingredients that can be harsh on the skin and the environment.
Additionally, scientific research is increasingly supporting the use of mushrooms in skincare, highlighting their anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Mushrooms such as Ganoderma lucidum, Lentinula edodes, and Agaricus bisporus have been shown to inhibit enzymes that play a role in skin aging and pigmentation, contributing to reduced wrinkles, improved skin hydration, and enhanced elasticity.
The versatility and functionality of mushrooms in health and beauty products are undeniable, and their use is expected to continue to grow and evolve.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushrooms are more closely related to humans than they are to vegetables. Fungi and animals are both Opisthokonts, sharing a more recent common ancestor than either does with the lineage leading to plants.
The genetic composition of mushrooms is more similar to humans than plants. Mushrooms and humans share nearly 50% of their DNA. When exposed to sunlight, mushrooms can produce vitamin D, similar to humans.
Humans and mushrooms contract many of the same viruses. Mushrooms can also be used to treat diseases in humans, such as tuberculosis and cancer.
