Fungi Introduction Archives

introduction to fungi lichen History: Three and a half millennia ago, the Greek hero Perseus in fulfilment of oracle, accidentally killed his grandfather. Acrisius was the person to whom he (i.e. Perseus) wanted to make the king (i.e. give throne of Kingdom Argos). When he returned back after fulfilment of the oracle, he was upset for killing his grandfather. Therefore, he contacted with Megapenthes the father of Proetus introduction to fungi lichen to change his kingdom with Argos. He accepted his request and give the kingdom of Proetus to the Perseus. When Perseus reached and he found that the cap of his scabbard fallen, he perceived it as a good omen to build a new city. The new city was named as Mycenae. Secondly, he also introduction to fungi lichen drank the water flowing from mushroom (mykes) and fulfilled his thirst. After doing these two things i.e. topping off of the cap (mykes) of his scabbard and drinking water from the introduction to fungi lichen mushroom (mykes), he called the new founded city as Mycenae. Terminology: This is possible that from Mycenae city name, the word Mycenanean has been taken. If Greek words are considered, then Mycology (MykesMushroom, and LogosDiscourse). Thus, the study of mushroom is called as Mycology. Study: Mycology is not the correct word, it must be Mycetology (due to its origin from the city named Mycenae), but because by default it has been renowned, therefore is being used. Role of Leeuwenhoek: Firstly, the mushrooms were studied with open eye (due to their macro structure), afterward lenses were used for their study, but after the discovery of microscope by the great scientist Leeuwenhoek, its biology and system studies began. Role of Pier Antonio: Pier Antonio the found of Mycology, contributed significantly in the field of Mycology. This scientist in 1729 published Nova Plantarum Genera, in which his researches on Fungi are present. Definition of Fungi: Traditionally, biologists have defined Fungi as: “Eukaryotic, spore-producing, achlorophyllous organisms with absorptive nutrition, that generally reproduce both sexually and sexually, whose structure is usually filamentous and branched (technically called as Hyphae), typically surrounded by the cell wall.” This is a good definition but has some limitations. Two Groups: For example, many fungi are not closely inter-related. Due to this reason, now two terms are used. These two terms are: 1) Fungi-like (slime molds) 2) Fungi. Naming: Fungi which have first letter small i.e. “ f ” are not the fungi, but they have some characters of Kingdom Fungi, while “ Fungi” having capital letter “ F ” are considered to be the True-Fungi. These include: 1) Chytridiomycota 2) Zygomycota 3) Ascomycota 4) Basidiomycota Diversity in Number: Presently in the world there are 1.5 million species, while in the record is only 69,000 species of Fungi. This huge gap between recorded and total i.e. 1.5 million show that there is much need of fungi sampling and research. Further, it has been also observed that research on Fungi sampling in Tropical and Sub-tropical region is less, hence by increasing research on fungi in these areas will be helpful to further record fungi species. Importance of Fungi: Superannuation: Systematic study of Fungi is 250 years old. But, the manifestation (sign of occurrence) of fungi is million years old. 1) Fermentation: Ancient people were well aware of the role of fungi in fermentation process. We know that fermentation is done by single celled fungi i.e. Yeast. But:  the old people of Egypt considered this as a gift of great God.  Ancient Romans celebrated two festivals i.e. Dionysia and Bacchanalia to please two gods (Dionysius and Bacchus) in which wine flowed freely. As wine is manufactured through fermentation process, therefore old Greek people know about the fungi. 2) Thunder and Lightning: Still, in Mexico and Guatemala, people consider fungus (Amanita muscaria) the cause of thunder and lightning. ALSO SEE; Nitrate & Nitrite Poisoning In Animals 3) Grave Guardians and Medicine: In the same countries and north-west coast of United States, spirit figures are carved on the sporophores of fungus (Fomitopsis officinalis). These sporophores are then put on the graves as guardians. Especially, Shaman graves are guarded with form mentioned. The same fungus is also being used for medicinal purpose in North America. 4) Tinder Box: Similarly, in France a fungus was discovered from the melting glacier, the name of fungus was Piptoporus betulinus. This fungus has been used in Tinder boxes (the box that holds material to caught fire). ALSO SEE; Clones in plant breeding and genetics: 5) Bioluminescence: In regard to fungal Folklore and general mystique (magic) of fungi, we should mention the topic of BIOLUMINESCENCE in these organisms.  In some fungi, the reproductive structure gives off visible light, causing them to glow in night.  Sometime the fungi permeated the wood logs also produce light. This PHOSPHORESCENT light has been used in frightening people in old civilizations.  Even in the age of Aristotle, people used bioluminescent wood pieces to mark their path.  Soldiers used these pieces on their helmet in order to be visible to one another at night.  In United States bioluminescent fungi are called Foxfire. The example of bioluminescent fungus is Jack-o-Lantern mushroom whose orange gills glow in night. 6) Giant Fungus: In United States in 1992 a fungus Armillaria bulbosa was discovered having 10 tons weight. This fungus was reported to be 1500 years old. 7) Decomposers: The most important aspect of fungi in the ecosystem is as decaying agent. Fungi decompose cellulose and lignin to the primary component of the wood. In fact, biomass production in the forests is largely due to fungi. If there would no biomass production, it means there will be loss of forests. Though fungus is playing important role in the decay process but:  they are also notoriously damaging the wood poles, lumber, railway ties and other wood products.  Even, fungi are great threat to the wood warships and other items present in the ship FOR MORE INFO; Introduction to organic matter:

fungi introduction

Introduction to fungi lichen

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