Interesting facts about mushrooms. Why did the fungi separate into an independent kingdom?

Mushrooms are eukaryotic living organisms that are simultaneously similar to plants and animals. Previously, they were considered a subspecies of plants, and in 1970 it was decided to separate them into a separate kingdom. The study of fungi is the task of the science of mycology. Let's see why the mushrooms have been singled out as an independent kingdom, what their characteristics are for this reason.

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 everywhere, where there are organic substances necessary for their life.

What is unique about mushrooms? Biology gives the notion of fungi as a special form of life. They consist of a mycelium and a fruit part. The basis of life is, undoubtedly, mycelium. Mushrooms can be propagated asexually or vegetatively.

We are used to looking for mushrooms in forests and plantings, under a layer of dry leaves, on rotten stumps and snags. But very few people know that mushrooms can live in the ground, in water and even on the body of animals or people.

Why did the fungi separate into an independent kingdom?

Mushrooms are still a mystery for science. Signs of the kingdom of fungi are characteristic of plants and animals. Take at least their principle of nutrition. Mushrooms absorb the finished organic matter, this makes them similar to animals. But the way of feeding is peculiar to plants, as it happens by absorption.

In its 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 fungi to animals, in particular to insects. Another such characteristic is the absence in the fungal cells of pigments that are capable of photosynthesis. But at the same time, the mushrooms with plants unite their immobility.

Mushrooms reproduce by spores, which is typical of plants, but in the process of life urea is released, which is typical for animals.

All these factors do not give an unambiguous definition of the ownership of fungi and are the reason why the fungi are isolated into an independent kingdom.

Interesting facts about mushrooms

• Spores of fungi can be in a dormant state for up to 10 years and even after this time will begin to grow as soon as they enter a favorable environment.
• Extremely enduring representatives of the species were found inside the nuclear reactor.
• There are predatory species of fungi. Their mycelium consists of rings, which become a trap for worms.
• The most common chanterelles contain a unique substance that can destroy the larvae of parasites in the body. For medicinal purposes, tincture of chanterelles is prepared.
• The most expensive mushroom that a person consumes is a truffle. The price of one kilogram of such delicacy reaches 700-1000 euros.
• In some mushrooms, chemical reactions occur that allow them to glow in the dark.

What are the benefits of fungi for humans and what are their harms?

Mushrooms are used for food. They are even called meat for vegetarians. The variety 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, a pale toadstool causes a huge number of fatal poisonings.

Some representatives of this kingdom are used for medical purposes. With their help, it is possible to remove radionuclides from the body and treat tumor diseases.

Shiitake mushroom is known for its medicinal 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 rejuvenating serums and creams based on the extracts of this fungus.

But at the same time they can be the cause of many human diseases. These are diseases of the skin - dermatomycosis, and sometimes serious lesions of internal organs.

It is impossible not to mention the global significance of fungi for the biosphere of the planet. 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 species representatives, it becomes clear why the fungi have been singled out as an independent kingdom. It does not require additional interpretation of the whole importance of the kingdom of fungi for humans and for the biosphere as a whole.