Morphogenesis of Mushroom and enzymes involved in morphogensis

Mushroom species exhibit distinctive morphogenetic features. For instance, consider Amanita muscaria and Mycena chlorophos—both grow with outward-expanding caps that eventually turn upward. However, only the latter develops a central depression in the cap. This study uses a mathematical approach to unravel the interplay between physics and biology driving these different morphologies. The proposed growth elastic model is solved analytically, mapping their shape evolution over time. Interestingly, physical factors (such as wind stability) result in different cap shapes for these two species. While A. muscaria may avoid a central depression due to stability concerns, M. chlorophos selects it to maximize cap volume and spore exposure. These insights provide useful inspiration for bio-inspired material design

1. Morphogenesis of Mushrooms, Life cycle of Mushroom V. Sathiya Aravindan 1 st Ph.D., Plant Pathology Department of Plant Pathology Annamalai University

2. Fungal Fruiting Bodies: A Closer Look Fungi, those fascinating organisms that often go unnoticed, rely on a complex interplay of proteins and enzymes to produce their fruiting bodies, the structures that hold their spores. These fruiting bodies, commonly known as mushrooms, are essential for the fungal life cycle, allowing for the dispersal of spores and the continuation of the species.

3. Hydrophobins: The Water-Repellent Proteins 1 Hydrophobins: A Protective Coating Hydrophobins are specialized proteins that play a crucial role in the development of fungal fruiting bodies. These proteins form a protective coating on the surface of aerial structures, such as the mushroom cap, making them water-resistant. 2 Hydrophobins: Facilitating Gas Exchange Hydrophobins also line the air channels within the mushroom, aiding in the movement of gases. This is essential for spore release and respiration, processes that are vital for the fungal life cycle. 3 Hydrophobins: Enabling Growth in Diverse Environments By enabling fungi to move out of water-based environments, hydrophobins allow them to thrive in a wider range of habitats, contributing to their ecological diversity.

4. Laccases: The Enzyme Builders Laccases: Building Protective Layers Laccases are enzymes that contribute to the formation of protective layers on the surface of fruiting bodies. They achieve this by polymerizing phenolic compounds, which makes the surface more water-resistant. Laccases: Strengthening Cell Walls Laccases also play a role in strengthening the hyphal cell walls by cross-linking them. This enhances the structural integrity of the fruiting body, allowing it to withstand environmental pressures.

5. Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: The Versatile Catalysts Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: Essential for Fruiting Body Formation Cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in a wide range of biochemical reactions that are crucial for the production of compounds needed for fruiting body formation. Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: Versatile Roles in Fungal Metabolism These enzymes play a versatile role in fungal metabolism, including the synthesis of essential chemicals for growth and development.

6. Lectins: The Aggregation Agents Lectins: Facilitating Hyphal Aggregation Lectins are proteins that may play a role in the aggregation of hyphae, a critical step in the formation of the fruiting body's structure. Lectins: Building the Foundation of the Fruiting Body By bringing hyphae together, lectins contribute to the establishment of the framework that will eventually develop into the mature fruiting body.

7. Haemolysins: The Signaling Molecules 1 Haemolysins: Triggering Programmed Cell Death Haemolysins are enzymes that may act as signaling molecules within the fruiting body, potentially triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis) of certain hyphae. 2 Haemolysins: Shaping and Maturing the Fruiting Body This selective cell death is essential for shaping and maturing the fruiting body, ensuring its proper form and function.

8. Expansins: The Cell Wall Loosening Agents Expansins: Facilitating Hyphal Growth Expansins are proteins that are thought to help loosen and expand the fungal cell walls, allowing the hyphae to grow and extend. Expansins: Essential for Fruiting Body Development This process of cell wall loosening and expansion is essential for the overall growth and development of the fruiting body, enabling it to reach its full size and shape.

9. Cyclopropane Fatty Acid Synthases: The Membrane Stabilizers 1 Cyclopropane Fatty Acid Synthases: Converting Fatty Acids In some fungi, cyclopropane fatty acid synthases convert certain fatty acids in the cell membrane into cyclopropane fatty acids. 2 Cyclopropane Fatty Acids: Stabilizing Cell Membranes These specialized fatty acids help stabilize the fungal cell membranes, especially during the growth of the fruiting body, ensuring its structural integrity and function.

10. Life Cycles of Common Edible Mushrooms Stage Pleurotus (Oyster Mushroom) Calocybe (Milky Mushroom) Volvariella (Paddy Straw Mushroom) Lentinus (Shiitake Mushroom) Spore Release Mature mushrooms release millions of tiny spores into the air. Spores are released from mature mushrooms. Mature mushrooms release spores. Mature mushrooms release spores. Spore Germination Spores land in a suitable environment and germinate, forming hyphae. Spores germinate on a suitable substrate, forming hyphae. Spores germinate on a suitable substrate, forming primary mycelium. Spores germinate on a suitable substrate, forming hyphae. Mycelium Formation Hyphae from different spores meet and fuse, forming a network called mycelium. Hyphae fuse to form mycelium, which spreads through the substrate. Primary mycelium from different spores’ fuse to form secondary mycelium. Hyphae fuse to form mycelium, which grows through the substrate. Fruiting Body Development When conditions are right, the mycelium forms fruiting bodies (mushrooms). When conditions are favourable, the mycelium forms fruiting bodies. The secondary mycelium forms fruiting bodies under the right conditions. Under favourable conditions, the mycelium forms fruiting bodies. Mature Mushrooms Fruiting bodies grow and mature, eventually releasing spores to start the cycle again. Mature mushrooms release spores, starting the cycle again. Mature mushrooms release spores, continuing the cycle. Mature mushrooms release spores, starting the cycle again.

11. The Fascinating World of Fungi The intricate processes involved in fungal fruiting body development highlight the remarkable complexity of these organisms. From the water-repellent properties of hydrophobins to the signaling roles of haemolysins, each protein and enzyme plays a crucial role in shaping the mushrooms we see and enjoy. Understanding these processes not only deepens our appreciation for the fungal world but also provides valuable insights into their ecological importance and potential applications in various fields.

12. Thank you