Concept in Definition ABC

Although the different species of fungi and mushrooms have a appearance similar to vegetables, they actually constitute an independent kingdom among living beings, the fungi kingdom. The discipline that studies these species is called mycology. The term mycology comes from the Greek word mykes, which means fungus, and from logia, which is equivalent to science or knowledge.

Characteristics of the fungi Kingdom

- Unlike vegetables, fungi cannot produce their own food using sunlight and, consequently, do not perform photosynthesis (Species of the fungi kingdom feed on decaying plant species and are therefore heterotrophic).

- This kingdom has some characteristics closer to the world of animals. Thus, fungi have mitochondria and not chloroplasts and, on the other hand, their cell walls have chitin (this substance is also present in crustaceans and arachnids).

- Fungi are made up of hyphae. These structural units grow and branch, thus forming the mycelium.

- Fungi are classified into two large sections: multicellular beings and unicellular beings (for example yeasts). On the other hand, these

organisms they occur both at the microscopic and macroscopic level.

- Regarding the distinction between fungus and mushroom, we could say that a fungus is like a tree whose fruits are mushrooms.

Relationship with man

Regarding its relationship with human beings, there are two different faces, since there are industrial applications (for example, in the production bread) but some of these organisms are toxic and can be dangerous (ingesting certain fungi is related to infection processes of the mucous membranes and even cases of poisoning).

Already in ancient times mushrooms were used to poison enemies. One of the most famous episodes is the assassination of the Roman Emperor Claudius in the 1st century AD. C (according to historian Suetonius, the fourth wife of the emperor, exchanged the amanitas caesarean section for other venous ones, the amanitas phalloides)

Mushrooms are a 100% organic product and there are fans who are dedicated to their collection all over the world. In order for this activity to be carried out in an orderly manner, ecological parks have been created in which the diversity of species.

Mycology fans spread their knowledge with a double objective: the preservation of the species and that the consumption of mushrooms is not dangerous to health.

Photo Fotolia: Sinhyu

Topics in Mycology