Laura Smith
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, which is a member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and moulds. Fungi are typically found on land, in soil, or on plant material. They are not plants because they don't have chlorophyll for food production and don't photosynthesize; instead, they acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, secreting digestive enzymes, and then absorbing the digested nutrients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. |
| Taxonomy | Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom, which is divided into one subkingdom, seven phyla, and ten subphyla. |
| Habitat | Fungi, including mushrooms, are typically found on land, in soil, or on plant material. |
| Nutrition | Mushrooms do not photosynthesize or produce their own food. Instead, they acquire nutrients by breaking down and eating dead organic material. |
| Mobility | Mushrooms and fungi do not move, but their spores can travel through the air or water to reproduce. |
| Uses | Mushrooms are used as food, medicine, and psychotropic substances. They also have scientific and industrial applications. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are part of the fungi kingdom
Fungi differ from plants in several ways. One key distinction is that fungi contain chitin in their cell walls, which sets them apart from plants, bacteria, and some protists. Additionally, fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules and secreting digestive enzymes into their environment, whereas plants make energy through photosynthesis. Fungi do not photosynthesize; instead, they break down and eat dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil for new plants to use. This process of decomposition makes fungi the principal decomposers in ecological systems.
The word "fungus" is derived from the Latin "fungus," meaning "mushroom," which was used in the writings of ancient authors such as Horace and Pliny. The study of fungi is known as mycology, derived from the Greek "mykēs," meaning "mushroom." The kingdom of fungi is incredibly diverse, encompassing an estimated 2.2 million to 3.8 million species, with only about 144,000 to 148,000 species currently described.
Fungi play an important role in human life and can be found in a variety of habitats, typically in soil or on plant material. They are used in medicine, with penicillin, the world's first antibiotic, being produced by a type of mold. Fungi are also used in food preparation, such as in fermentation for bread, wine, and soy sauce, and are a source of edible mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms.
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Fungi are not plants because they don't photosynthesise
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and fungi are not plants. While fungi and plants share some similarities, including the fact that they are both mainly immobile and often grow in the same habitats, there are several key differences that separate them. One of the most significant differences is that fungi do not photosynthesize.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. They do this using chlorophyll, which is contained within their chloroplasts. Fungi, on the other hand, do not contain chlorophyll or chloroplasts, and therefore cannot photosynthesize. Instead, they are heterotrophs, obtaining their energy by breaking down and absorbing nutrients from other organisms or organic matter in their environment. This is a fundamental distinction between the two types of organisms, as it means that plants produce their own food, while fungi must consume it.
The discovery of the process of photosynthesis played a key role in the reclassification of fungi. Early taxonomists, such as Carl Linnaeus, Christiaan Hendrik Persoon, and Elias Magnus Fries, classified organisms based on their morphology and physiology. However, they did not have access to the advanced molecular tools and phylogenetic analysis methods that we use today. As a result, they often relied on superficial similarities between fungi and plants, such as their shared immobility and growth habitats.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, George Willard Martin challenged the notion that fungi should be classified as plants. His work influenced Robert Harding Whittaker, who proposed a theory of classification based on ecological roles. Whittaker identified three types of ecological roles: producers (photosynthesizers), consumers (eaters), and reducers (decomposers). This theory helped to distinguish fungi from plants, as fungi are consumers that obtain their nutrients through absorption, rather than producers that create their own nutrients through photosynthesis.
In addition to their heterotrophic nature, fungi also differ from plants in terms of cell wall composition and growth and development. Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, a substance not found in plants. Plants, on the other hand, have cell walls composed of cellulose. Furthermore, fungi reproduce through spores and do not grow in the same manner as plants, which develop through the process of producing new leaves and stems. These distinctions, along with their inability to photosynthesize, provide strong evidence that fungi are distinct from plants and warrant their own classification.
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Mushrooms grow in dark places
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and they are typically found on land, in soil, or on plant material. Fungi are not plants, and they do not photosynthesize. Instead, they acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, secreting digestive enzymes into their environment, and breaking down biological matter. This is why mushrooms are often found growing in dark places—they feed on dead organic material like fallen trees, leaves, and dead animals. The part of the mushroom that is visible is just a small part of the organism, as most of a mushroom's body is made up of long, web-like strands called mycelium, which grow into the dead thing it is eating.
Mushrooms and fungi are usually found in dark, moist environments because they need water to survive. Dark places are more likely to be wet, and less water evaporates in the absence of sunlight, so there is less risk of the environment drying out. Growing mushrooms in the dark also protects them from harmful light exposure, prevents attacks from pests and insects, and hinders the growth of bacteria and mold.
Fungi are extremely important ecologically, as they return nutrients to the soil to be used by new plants and clear the ground of dead organic material. They are also important to humans, as they can be used in medicine, food, and spiritual ceremonies.
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Mushrooms are cultivated on different substrates
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of a fungus, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. Fungi are classified as one of the traditional eukaryotic kingdoms, along with Animalia, Plantae, and either Protista or Protozoa and Chromista. While fungi and mushrooms are not plants, they were once classified as members of the plant kingdom because of certain similarities in lifestyle and morphology.
Straw
Straw is an inexpensive and effective substrate for mushroom cultivation. It is widely available at farm shops, pet stores, and other locations that sell animal feed or bedding. Straw can be used as the sole substrate or combined with other materials to provide additional nutrients. Before using straw, it should be cut, cleaned, and pasteurized to kill microorganisms and limit competition for nutrients.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another suitable substrate for mushroom cultivation, known for their high nitrogen content. They are easily accessible from local coffee shops, which often provide wasted coffee grounds for free. When using coffee grounds, it is recommended to blend them with other substrates such as coconut fiber or sawdust, and sterilize or pasteurize them to prevent contamination.
Manure
Manure is a valued substrate for certain mushroom species, such as Psilocybe. However, it requires a composting and pasteurization process to eliminate unwanted microorganisms, making it more suitable for commercial crops than home cultivation.
Wood and Logs
Many varieties of fungi feed on dead wood, so cultivating them on cut logs or woodchips is a perfect choice. Most hardwood tree species, such as beech, poplar, maple, oak, birch, and elm, can be used. The ideal log size for growing mushrooms is around 1 meter long and approximately 15 cm in diameter.
Synthetic Substrates
Synthetic mushroom substrates are designed to offer a more controlled and sterile environment for mushroom cultivation. These substrates often include components like coconut fiber and vermiculite, which facilitate handling and reduce the risk of contamination. Synthetic substrates are suitable for growers seeking consistency and control in their mushroom production.
Grain
Grain, such as oats with added gypsum and calcium, is another common substrate used by beginning mushroom farmers. Smaller grains like millet are preferred as they allow for more even and abundant mycelial growth. However, grain is typically used as a supplement to other substrates due to its cost and high nutrient content.
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Mushrooms have their own unique health benefits
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. They are not plants, as they do not make energy from sunlight through photosynthesis. Instead, like animals, they are heterotrophs, acquiring their food by absorbing dissolved molecules and secreting digestive enzymes into their environment.
Mushrooms have been used by humans for thousands of years, as a food source, for medicinal purposes, and in religious ceremonies. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Here are some of their unique health benefits:
Cancer Prevention
A review of 17 cancer studies found that eating just 18 grams of mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45%. Mushrooms are a powerful source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. Some varieties, such as shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster, have higher amounts of ergothioneine. However, incorporating any variety of mushrooms into your daily diet will lower your cancer risk. Chaga mushrooms, in particular, have been found to prevent cancer and shrink tumors.
Immune System Support
Mushrooms contain macronutrients that support a healthy immune system, including selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Selenium helps the body make antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage, while vitamin D assists with cell growth, boosts immune function, and reduces inflammation. Vitamin B6 helps the body form red blood cells, proteins, and DNA.
Brain Health
Lion's mane mushrooms contain two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that stimulate the growth of brain cells and improve memory. Choline, found in mushrooms, assists with muscle movement, learning, and memory by maintaining the structure of cellular membranes and transmitting nerve impulses.
Heart Health
Mushrooms are a good source of folate, which is beneficial for heart health. They are also low in calories, which can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes Prevention
Mushrooms have been found to protect against diabetes, although more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this.
It is important to note that only edible mushrooms should be consumed, as some varieties are toxic. Cooking mushrooms with a bit of oil or butter can help increase the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin D.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are not plants. Mushrooms are fungi and belong to the kingdom Eumycota (true fungi or Eumycetes). Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants.
Mushrooms don't have chlorophyll for food production and they don't photosynthesize. Instead, they get energy from other organisms, like animals do.
Mushrooms break down and eat dead organic material like fallen trees, leaves, and dead animals. The mycelium, or the long, web-like strands that make up most of a mushroom's body, grows into and around the food source, secretes enzymes for external digestion, and then absorbs the already-digested nutrients.
Mushrooms typically grow on land, in soil or on plant material. They are found in almost any habitat.
Mushrooms grow in dark places because they are breaking down dead stuff. That's why you often find mushrooms growing in places with a lot of dead organic material.
