What are fungi? Are they plants? Are they animals? Are mushrooms fungi? Let’s dig into the science behind the fascinating group of organisms whose history has been closely intertwined with that of mankind since time immemorial. Fungi fall into a special taxonomic kingdom of their own. Unlike plants, they aren’t able to photosynthesize, a process that captures energy from the sun. And, unlike animals, they don’t really “eat,” but they do break down organic material in order to feed themselves. They can feed on living tissue, or on dead organic matter. In the latter role, they form an important link in the circle of life, recycling dead organic matter so that it once again becomes available to plants, which feed animals, and even become a form of food that humans or animals can consume. Are Mushrooms Fungi? All mushrooms form part of the “body” of fungi. However, not all fungi make them. Here’s how it works. All fungi can reproduce by spreading spores. These spores are tiny “seeds” that will germinate under the right conditions. Initially, the mushroom fungus only produces mycelium, thread-like structures that grow where we can’t see them unless we disturb their chosen substrates. If you've ever peeled off a piece of tree bark and found a white substance beneath it, or have turned over compost and found white threads beneath the surface, you’ve uncovered fungal mycelium. Certain fungi produce mushrooms which are known as “fruiting bodies.” Just like the fruits a plant makes, their job is to spread the fungus’s “seeds.” They represent a tiny portion of the fungus’s entire “body.” To give you an idea of how big the entire body can be, the largest organism known to man is actually a fungus. Its mycelium has been measured at over 965 hectares in Oregon. Here and there, mushrooms do pop up, but they are surprisingly unspectacular, simply performing their function as organs that disseminate spores. Types of Fungi As we’ve already noted, not all fungi produce the mushrooms we know and love. Did you know that the yeast you use to make your homemade bread is a fungus? There are many species of yeast fungus, not all of which are good for baking, and there are also rusts, smuts, mildews, and moulds, including those that cause plant diseases that gardeners frequently combat. We frequently classify the types of fungi according to what they “eat.” Saprophytic fungi obtain the nutrients they need to survive from dead organic matter. Parasitic fungi nourish themselves by feeding off living organic matter. Symbiotic fungi work with another organism in a way that benefits both. For example, lichen consists of symbiosis between fungi and algae. An alternative way of classifying fungi is based on their method of reproduction. The terminology is complex. For example, mushrooms fall under the classification “Basidiomycetes” based on their reproductive strategy. Fungi Characteristics With so much variability across over 5.1 million species, you may find yourself wondering what characteristics are used to classify an organism as a fungus. Here’s what you need to know. Fungi are eukaryotes. This means that their genetic material is enclosed within a cellular nucleus. Their mode of growth is unique: the tips of fungal filaments are known as hyphae, and they grow to form the networks of filaments known as mycelia. Fungi’s method of feeding is unique. They digest food externally before absorbing it into their mycelia. Historically, fungi were regarded as a sub-category of plants, but their lack of chlorophyll and unique characteristics earned them a classification of their own. The Importance of Fungi It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that if it weren’t for fungi, most of us wouldn’t be here today. Baking, brewing and cheese-making all rely on fungi, and of course, we love edible mushrooms. Thanks to fungi, humankind has been able to gain a better understanding of biology. In particular, brewer’s yeast helped us to understand these vitally important organisms better. And, in doing so, we also learned more about ourselves. Specifically, fungi helped us to understand genetics better. Fungi save lives and continue to do so. Alexander Fleming’s discovery of Penicillin came from a bacterial culture that he was trying to grow. It became infected with a fungus of the genus Penicillium and Fleming noticed that it suppressed the bacterium’s growth. Without this accidental discovery, we would never have had antibiotics. And, without these crucial medicines, many people would not be reading this post today. Besides antibiotics, we can thank fungi for drugs that help to control cholesterol and which protect us from cardiovascular disease. Of course, not all fungi are benign. Some of them are poisonous. But, it’s important to remember that fungi span an enormous range of organisms and there are more helpful ones than harmful ones. We’re still discovering new uses for fungi today and the results of these studies may yet be as world-changing as the discovery of antibiotics. Fungi Examples - Mushrooms and More Yeasts and their crucial role in our daily nutrition are among the oldest and best examples of the use of fungi in our day-to-day lives. Of course, there are the edible mushrooms that we enjoy eating in many recipes. But, several other species are already being investigated as a source of rare nutrients that may help our bodies to fight off disease. Making waves in the news and among those in search of foods that promote natural wellness, are so-called “functional” mushrooms and these are rapidly gaining popularity. Species of functional mushrooms include Lion’s Mane, a mushroom that’s believed to promote mental clarity, or Shiitake mushrooms are seen as an energiser, while restful Reishi mushrooms grab their share of the limelight. Maitake mushrooms are believed to help reduce stress while Chaga are reported to boost gut health. Researchers are hard at work, seeking to uncover specific medicinal benefits for these ancient foods, once reserved for the elite and believed to confer “immortality,” or at least, longer life. Meanwhile, the general public is finding that functional mushroom supplements improve their immunity and help them to cope with the demands of modern life. If you’re hoping to use the magic of fungi (without any psychoactive effects) to support your lifestyle, Grass & Co. has formulated a complete range of mushroom supplements that will help you to explore the potential benefits of mushrooms to enhance your health and quality of life. Enjoy the potential benefits of functional mushrooms with Grass & Co. and feel your best every day. Grass & Co. and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The information and products presented on this site are not intended for medical use nor do they make any medical claims. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programmes. More about functional mushrooms