mycelium
Definition
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. Hyphae are the cells of a fungus, and they are responsible for absorbing nutrients from the environment and for transporting them to the rest of the fungus.
Mycelium can grow underground, on the surface of the soil, or even in water. It can be a single organism, or it can be made up of many individual organisms that are connected together.
Mycelium is an important part of the ecosystem. It helps to break down dead plant and animal matter, and it also provides food for many other organisms. Mycelium also plays a role in the carbon cycle, by helping to move carbon from dead organisms back into the soil.
How can the word be used?
The mushrooms that we see above ground are just the fruiting bodies of the mycelium.
Different forms of the word
Noun: The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, threadlike hyphae.
Adjective: Relating to mycelium.
Etymology
The word "mycelium" comes from the Greek word "μύκης" (mykēs), which means "mushroom." The Greek word "μύκης" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "mūk-," which also means "mushroom.".
The word "mycelium" was first used in English in the 17th century to describe the vegetative part of a fungus.
Question
What is a mycelium?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define mycelium and describe its role in the growth and functioning of fungi. Provide examples of fungal species that exhibit mycelial growth.
Answer:
Mycelium refers to the vegetative, thread-like structure of fungi that forms a complex network of hyphae. It is the main body of the fungus and plays a crucial role in its growth and functioning.
The mycelium serves multiple functions in fungi. Firstly, it acts as a feeding structure, absorbing nutrients from the environment through its hyphae. Additionally, mycelium is responsible for anchoring the fungus in its substrate and providing stability. Furthermore, mycelium is involved in reproduction, as some fungi produce reproductive structures like mushrooms or spore-bearing structures at specific points within the mycelial network.
Examples of fungal species that exhibit mycelial growth include the common bread mould Rhizopus stolonifer and the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus. In Rhizopus, mycelium rapidly spreads across surfaces, breaking down organic matter and aiding in nutrient cycling. Agaricus bisporus forms mycelium within the soil, and when conditions are favourable, it produces the recognisable fruiting body we know as the mushroom.
In summary, mycelium is the network of hyphae that forms the main body of fungi. It serves essential roles in nutrient absorption, anchoring, and reproduction, contributing to the overall growth and functioning of fungal organisms.