Welcome to my World!

Quick Digestions!
I do not use photosynthesis to produce my own food. We use energy from other organisms for our own metabolism! Many of us obtain energy and nutrients by decomposing on dead plant materials. We start by decaying the cellulose and lignin of wood. For example, it feeds on dead tree logs because we take in nutrients through cell-walls.

Let's Circulate!
The thread like substance produces enzymes which can break down animal and plant cells into nutrients. Then enzymes break food into simple substance such as glucose, and sucrose. These substances pass through cell walls of the mushroom. The mushroom uses its food to make spores and seeds for further reproduction.

GAS ALERT!
The gas exchange happens in a cellular respiration of the fungi, which happens directly through the atmosphere. This means that cells of the mushroom receives oxygen directly by themselves. We absorb sugar from the decaying matter and releases carbon dioxide and water back into the air.
- Oxygen+ sugar->carbon dioxide + water

My life is pretty intresting you know!
I start my day by releasing thousands of spores! Every spore is capable of germinating to create a new hypha. Hyphae are masses of knotted genes of cells which are the morphological unit of the fungus. When a thick mass of hyphae forms it is called mycelium or mycelia. It is basically a continuous process of thread which multiplies into more thread, making a feeding body. Mycelium is usually white in color with a rough, cottony texture. They can be found under the surface of logs. The medium that mushroom mycelium grows on is usually called substrate. Before the mushroom can start to form fruit bodies (mushroom caps), the mycelium colonizes the substrate fully. Then the whole cycle begins again.

Mating Season?
Reproduction of mushroom can be done in two simple steps, asexually or sexually. 2 threads from different body join together by transferring genetic information to each other. 1 spore develops into thread, leaves grills under the cap. When spores develop they consume the water and nutrients from their environment and begin to reproduce.

Where do we live in?
I grow best on decomposing hardwood logs or stumps, such as oak, chestnut and shii trees. The idea to grow in a well adapted environment is from 18°C-23°C. The best place to grow is one with a bark which prevent invasion from other competitive fungus. Also, if the environment contains high sugar content, the shiitake mushroom grows fairly well. In East Asia, the most common substrate woods are oak, alder and beech which are grown on fallen broadleaf trees. Mushrooms are most likely to appear in wet or moist areas, and it is the moisture factor that makes sprout to grow!