How mushrooms contribute to the decomposition of biomass

How mushrooms contribute to the decomposition of biomass

mushrooms are fascinating organisms that play a crucial role in the natural cycle of the earth. They have been present on our planet for billions of years long before the first tree grew up or the first dinosaurs stumbled around. But how do mushrooms contribute to the decomposition of biomass and why is that important? This article will bring you closer to the amazing world of mushrooms and show your important role in our ecosystems.

The fantastic world of mushrooms

The importance of mushrooms

Mushrooms are part of their own premier class of organisms that differ from plants and animals. They reproduce through spores instead of seeds and do not contain chlorophylls such as plants to convert sunlight into energy. Instead, they generate their energy from the reduction of organic substances, especially of dead plant and animal litter.

of the 1.5 to 5 million mushrooms worldwide are only scientifically described. Some are edible and have culinary value, such as mushrooms and shiitake, others have medical applications such as penicillin, which is obtained from a certain mushroom trunk. Again, other species are poisonous and can cause serious health problems or lead to death.

The unique biology of mushrooms

Mushrooms consist of tiny, thread -shaped cells called hyphen that together form a mycelium - a branched network that is the actual "body" of the mushroom. As a rule, the mycelium is hidden underground or within the substrate on which the fungus grows. The visible parts of the mushroom, which we often see and call "mushrooms", are actually only the fruit stands that serve to produce and release spores.

The thick -walled spores of the mushroom can spread through the wind, water or other animals and people and immigrate to new areas, where they germinate and form a new mycelium when the conditions are favorable. Spores are extremely resistant and can endure extreme environmental conditions that would kill most other life forms.

The role of mushrooms in the decomposition of biomass

decomposition

The decomposition is the process in which organic substances are broken down and broken down into their basic components. Each living being on earth finally dies and is integrated back into the ground to create a continuous cycle of life and death. Mushrooms are one of the few organisms that can break down complex organic compounds such as cellulose and lignin, which can break down main components of plant tissue and wood.

fungi as a decomposition

Mushrooms are a main actor in the global carbon cycle because they are able to reduce complex organic materials and release the nutrients contained in the materials. These released nutrients are absorbed by the soil and absorbed by plants that they use for the production of food and oxygen.

The breakdown of lignin by mushrooms

An example of the breakdown of biomass through mushrooms is the decomposition of Lignin, one of the main components of plant cell walls. Lignin is an extremely durable material - it is not only resistant to bacterial breakdown, but also compared to most other mushrooms. Only a few mushrooms, such as the white rot, are able to effectively reduce lignin. You do this through the production of specialized enzymes that oxidize the complex lignin molecule and thereby make it accessible for the breakdown.

meaning of mushrooms for the environment and climate change

soil formation and health

By reducing biomass and conversion of organic materials into nutrient -rich soils, mushrooms contribute significantly to soil formation and health. The humus produced by fungal activity improves the soil structure and water retention capacity, promotes the growth of plants and increases biodiversity in the soil.

carbon fixation and climate change

Mushrooms play a crucial role in carbon storage and thus also in climate change. While plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and convert it into biomass, mushrooms release carbon in the form of CO2 in the atmosphere again when they dismantle biomass. This process works in a finely balanced balance. However, it is feared that the climate change could affect this balance and lead to an accelerated release of carbon.

FAZIT

Mushrooms are essential for the functioning of our ecosystems. They contribute to the decomposition of biomass and play an important role in many natural processes, including soil formation and carbon storage. They are living evidence of the complexity and balance of the natural world, and we therefore have the responsibility to ensure their survival. The study of mushrooms and its contribution to biomass translation is not only fascinating, but also important for our understanding and promotion of the biodiversity of our earth.