Mushrooms are eukaryotic living organisms that are simultaneously similar to plants and animals. Previously, they were considered a subspecies of plants, and in 1970 a decision was made to separate them into a separate kingdom. The study of mushrooms is the task of the science of mycology. Let's see why the mushrooms were allocated into an independent kingdom, what their characteristics caused this.
Acquaintance with the kingdom of mushrooms
Mushrooms are interesting for their variety. This group of living organisms consists of more than 250 thousand species. Their habitat is different. Mushrooms can grow wherever there is an organic substance necessary for their vital functions.
Why are mushrooms unique? Biology gives the concept of mushrooms as a special form of life. They consist of mycelium and fruit. The basis of life is, of course, mycelium. Mushrooms can multiply asexually or vegetatively.
We are used to looking for mushrooms in forests and plantations, under a layer of dry leaves, on rotten stumps and snags. But few people know that mushrooms can live in the ground, in water, and even on the bodies of animals or people.
Why are mushrooms allocated to an independent kingdom?
Mushrooms are still a mystery to science. Signs of the kingdom of mushrooms are characteristic of plants and animals. Take at least their principle of nutrition. Mushrooms absorb ready-made organic matter, which makes them similar to animals. But the very way of eating is peculiar to plants, since this happens by absorption.
In their structure, mushrooms are both unicellular and multicellular, which is more common. Cells of some representatives of this species contain chitin. This is a clear sign of the similarity of mushrooms with animals, in particular with insects. Another such characteristic is the absence of pigments capable of photosynthesis in the cells of fungi. But at the same time, their immobility unites mushrooms with plants.
Mushrooms reproduce by spores, which is characteristic of plants, but in the process of life they produce urea, which is typical for animals.
All these factors do not make it possible to unambiguously determine the affiliation of the mushrooms and become the reason why the mushrooms were allocated into an independent kingdom.
Interesting facts about mushrooms
- Mushroom spores can remain in a dormant state for up to 10 years and even after this time will begin to grow as soon as they get into a favorable environment.
- Extremely tenacious species were found inside an atomic reactor.
- There are carnivorous species of mushrooms. Their mycelium consists of rings that become a trap for worms.
- The most common chanterelles contain a unique substance that can destroy parasite larvae in the body. For medicinal purposes, prepare a tincture of chanterelles.
- The most expensive mushroom that a person eats is truffle. The price of one kilogram of such a delicacy reaches 700-1000 euros.
- In some mushrooms, chemical reactions occur that allow them to glow in the dark.
How are mushrooms useful for humans and what is their harm?
Mushrooms are eaten. They are even called meat for vegetarians. The diversity of their species gives the same variety of tastes of mushroom dishes. But at the same time there are more than 100 species of poisonous mushrooms. For example, pale toadstool causes a huge amount of fatal poisoning.
Some representatives of this kingdom are used for medical purposes. With their help, you can remove radionuclides from the body and treat tumor diseases.
Shiitake mushroom is known for its healing properties. It is widely used in cosmetology. Especially valuable is its ability to influence the natural regeneration of the skin. Many well-known cosmetic brands produce anti-aging serums and creams based on extracts of this mushroom.
But at the same time, they can be the cause of many human diseases. These are diseases of the skin - dermatomycosis, and sometimes serious damage to internal organs.
One cannot but mention the global significance of fungi for the planet's biosphere. Their ability to decompose organic matter makes them an integral and important part of the ecosystem.
Taking into account all the diversity and specificity of the representatives of the species, it becomes clear why the mushrooms were allocated into an independent kingdom. The additional importance of the kingdom of mushrooms for humans and for the biosphere as a whole does not require additional interpretations.