Sarah Brown
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and all mushrooms are fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms. The term mushroom may refer to edible, poisonous, or unpalatable fungi. Mushrooms are living things, and they are decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter like leaves and plants. They have a complex anatomy, with a cap, stem, and gills, and they reproduce by releasing spores. Mushrooms have been studied for their potential therapeutic benefits, and they play an essential role in creating soil, which supports the growth of living organisms like trees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A mushroom is a kind of living fungus |
| Types | There are 14,000 species of mushrooms, including oyster mushrooms, hen of the woods, and turkey tail |
| Structure | Mushrooms have a top cap, gills, and a stem (stipe) |
| Spores | Mushrooms have gills that produce microscopic spores, which help the fungus spread |
| Hymenium | A layer of microscopic spore-bearing cells that covers the surface of gills |
| Nutrition | Mushrooms are decomposers and break down dead things like leaves and plants |
| Uses | Mushrooms are edible and can be used in food and medicine |
| Relationship with Plants | Mycelial networks form relationships with plants through their root systems, providing nutrition to both |
| Relationship with Humans | Some mushrooms are poisonous to humans, while others are safe for consumption and have medicinal properties |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are a type of fungus
Fungi reproduce by releasing spores, which are carried to a place where they will germinate, combining sexually, asexually, or in other ways. Once the spores germinate, they form a hypha, which is a single filamentous body that eventually grows into a full network of connected hyphae, called a mycelium. When the conditions are right, the mycelium will form a new fruiting body, and the process begins anew.
Mycelial networks form relationships with plants through their root systems, providing nutrition to both plants and fungi. Mushrooms are decomposers—they break down dead things like leaves and plants. This is why mushrooms are often seen growing on dead trees or logs. They play an essential role in creating soil, which makes it possible for living organisms like trees to live and receive nourishment.
Not all mushrooms are alike. Some grow slowly and add tissue to their fruiting bodies by growing from the edges of the colony or by inserting hyphae. For example, Pleurotus nebrodensis grows slowly and is now critically endangered due to human collection. The underlying mycelium of mushroom fruiting bodies can be long-lived and massive. A colony of Armillaria solidipes in Malheur National Forest in the United States is estimated to be 2,400 years old, possibly older, and spans an estimated 2,200 acres (8.9 square kilometres).
In addition to mushrooms, there are plenty of other edible fungi, including yeast, which is present in many kinds of bread and beer, and the specific fungus used to make blue cheese and give it its tangy flavour.
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They are decomposers
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and they are indeed living things. Fungi are more closely related to humans than plants, which means mushrooms are our distant cousins!
Decomposers
Mushrooms are nature's decomposers, and they play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem. Fungi secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds, such as carbohydrates and proteins, into simpler substances while releasing energy. This process is known as decomposition. The fungal decomposers, along with certain types of bacteria, absorb a small amount of the nutrients and energy released during this process for their growth and survival.
The remaining energy and materials are then absorbed by the surrounding environment, including the soil, air, and water. This absorption is essential for recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, making them available for other organisms to use. Without the presence of mushrooms and their bacterial allies, life on Earth would be drastically different. The nutrients from dead plants and animals would be locked away, inaccessible to other living things.
The process of decomposition by mushrooms is not instantaneous. Some mushrooms grow slowly, gradually adding tissue to their fruiting bodies. For example, the Pleurotus nebrodensis grows at a slow rate, and due to human collection, it is now a critically endangered species. While the mushroom fruiting bodies have a short lifespan, the underlying network of thread-like structures, called mycelium, can persist for a long time and can be quite extensive.
The mycelium of a colony of Armillaria solidipes (formerly Armillaria ostoyae) in the Malheur National Forest in the United States is estimated to be over 2,400 years old and covers an area of approximately 2,200 acres (8.9 square kilometers). Most of this fungus is underground, found in decaying wood or the roots of dying trees. This extensive network of mycelium plays a crucial role in the decomposition process, breaking down organic matter and contributing to the rich soil that sustains the forest ecosystem.
In conclusion, mushrooms are not just living things but essential decomposers that contribute to the health and balance of ecosystems. Their ability to break down complex compounds and recycle nutrients is vital for the survival of many other organisms, including humans.
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Some are edible, some are poisonous
Mushrooms are the fleshy, spore-bearing fruiting bodies of fungi, typically produced above ground on soil or another food source. The gills of the mushroom produce microscopic spores, which help the fungus spread across the ground or its occupant surface. The term "toadstool" generally refers to a poisonous mushroom.
The delineation between edible and poisonous fungi is not clear-cut, so a mushroom may be edible, poisonous, or unpalatable. Some good rules apply for avoiding poisonous mushrooms: avoid mushrooms with white gills, a skirt or ring on the stem, and a bulbous or sack-like base called a volva. You may be missing out on some good edible fungi, but this means you will be avoiding the deadly members of the Amanita family. Avoid mushrooms with red on the cap or stem. Again, you will be missing out on some good mushrooms, but you will also be avoiding poisonous ones. Finally, do not consume any mushrooms unless you are 100% sure of what they are.
Some edible mushrooms include the Giant Puffball, Beefsteak Fungus, Porcelain Fungus, Cauliflower Fungus, Dryads Saddle, Hedgehog Fungus, and Truffle. The Yellow Morel is another edible mushroom, known for its distinct appearance. Chanterelles are also edible, though they bear a resemblance to the poisonous Jack O'Lantern mushroom.
Some of the world's most poisonous mushrooms include the deadly webcap and fool's webcap, which feature a poison called orellanin that causes kidney failure and death if left untreated. The autumn skullcap is another poisonous mushroom, sometimes mistaken for hallucinogenic mushrooms. The destroying angel is another toxic fungus, often mistaken for edible button mushrooms and meadow mushrooms. The Amanita family, which includes the Amanita virosa and Amanita bisporigera, are also toxic and can be mistaken for edible mushrooms.
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They have medicinal uses
Mushrooms are a fungus with medicinal uses. They have been used to treat infections for hundreds of years, especially in Asia. Medicinal mushrooms have been used to treat lung diseases and cancer in Japan and China, in addition to standard cancer treatments. They are also being studied for their potential in treating psychological disorders.
Medicinal mushrooms have been found to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, antiallergic, antihyperlipidemic, and prebiotic properties. These pharmacological activities are attributable to the many bioactive metabolites present in the mycelium and the fruiting body.
The antitumor and immunomodulatory properties of medicinal mushrooms are of particular interest to researchers, as cancer remains a significant challenge in the medical field. Certain chemical compounds in mushrooms, such as polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in turkey tail mushrooms, are believed to strengthen the immune system to fight cancer. Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases and strengthen the immune system in cancer treatment.
Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that prevents or slows cellular damage. They also contain compounds that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lower the risk of mild cognitive impairment, which is often a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. Mushrooms are also a source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium to maintain and build strong bones.
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They have different shapes and sizes
Mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi that come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. They can be found in various environments, including forests, grasslands, and even urban areas. The shape and size of a mushroom can vary depending on its species and environmental factors. Some mushrooms are small and delicate, while others can grow to impressive sizes. For example, the honey mushroom (*Armillaria gallica*) can spread over large areas and is considered the world's largest living organism, covering up to 37 acres!
The cap, or pileus, is the most recognizable part of a mushroom. It comes in a variety of shapes, including convex, flat, depressed, or umbrella-like (conical). The gills, found on the underside of the cap, can also vary in shape and arrangement. Some mushrooms have gills that are attached to the stem, while others have free-standing gills. The spacing and color of the gills can also differ between species.
Stems, or stipes, also show a lot of variation. They can be central, meaning they are located in the middle of the cap, or eccentric, found to one side. Stems can be slender or thick, and their texture can vary from smooth to scaly. Sometimes a mushroom will have a partial veil, which is a thin membrane that connects the stem to the cap. This veil can leave a ring-like structure on the stem, known as an annulus, or a skirt-like structure on the cap, called a volva.
Beyond the basic structure, mushrooms exhibit an array of unique features. Some have warts, scales, or fibers on their caps, while others may be slimy or sticky to the touch. Certain mushrooms are known for their distinctive colors, ranging from vibrant reds and blues to subtle shades of brown and white. The flesh of mushrooms can vary in consistency, from firm and fleshy to soft and brittle.
The shape and size of a mushroom is not only a product of its genetics but also environmental factors. The availability of nutrients, moisture levels, temperature, and competition from other fungi can all influence the way a mushroom grows and develops. For example, mushrooms that grow in dense clusters may have thinner stems and smaller caps due to competition for resources.
While the diversity in mushroom shapes and sizes is fascinating, it is important to remember that many mushrooms play a crucial role in their ecosystems. They are decomposers, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil, thus contributing to the cycle of life.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are a kind of living thing called a fungus. The mushroom is only part of the fungi's body, with some of its body being underground.
Mushrooms release spores, which are carried to a place where they will germinate. Once the spores germinate, they form a hypha, which eventually grows into a full network of connected hyphae, called a mycelium. When the conditions are right, the mycelium will form a new fruiting body, and the process begins anew.
No, while all mushrooms are fungi, not all fungi are mushrooms. There are over 140,000 species of fungi, including yeasts, molds, mildews, rusts, smuts, and 14,000 species of mushrooms.
