Concept in Definition ABC

The term mycelium is part of the specialized terminology of mycology, the science that studies the kingdom of fungi, also known as fungi kingdom. When we talk about fungi, it should be remembered that a fungus is the whole of a plant, while a mushroom is only the reproductive system of the fungus and the visible part of it. The invisible part is underground and is the mycelium.

The mycelium is made up of filaments or hyphae, the set of these hyphae being the mycelium. The mycelium is the vegetative apparatus of the plant and, consequently, it is actually what makes the fungus grow, reproduce and die.

The life cycle

The life cycle of a fungus begins with the birth of the mycelium by detaching and germinating the spore (which has previously detached from the mushroom). A fissure opens at one end of the spore through which long, white tubes develop, which are the primary mycelia of a sign. Later, the primary mycelia unite with other equal ones of opposite sign to produce new fungi that perpetuate the species. Thus, from the union of two primary mycelia of different signs, secondary mycelia are formed, which are thicker and give rise to the birth of mushrooms.

The primary and secondary mycelia are formed by the hyphae and the set of hyphae create the mycelium in its entirety.

Mycelium Considerations

Mycologists consider the structure of the mycelium to resemble the complexity neural cells of the human brain and, at the same time, has a similarity to the networks of Internet. This means that the mycelium is the invisible tissue that allows fungi to exist. Its ramifications are so complex and extensive that they can be several kilometers long. His velocity growth is also spectacular, as it grows at 1 millimeter per hour.

The understanding of the mycelium and of the fungi in general is an essential question. In fact, some mushrooms are used as medicines (most antibiotics are made from culture mushroom). On the other hand, quality The soil depends to a large extent on the organic sustenance provided by the mycelium. Consequently, it is not a simple structure of fungi but is a fundamental element for the maintenance of ecosystems.

In the farming and in forestry engineering the mycelium is used as a natural filter to combat certain polluting elements of the earth. For this reason some mycologists emphasize an idea: mushrooms can play a leading role in preserving nature.

Photos: iStock - Usere6035d91_515 / kasto80