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Fungi have been behind some of the most significant tragedies in human history, yet they’ve also sparked groundbreaking scientific advancements. This list highlights ten remarkable fungi. Some have been beneficial to humanity, some have been harmful, and others are simply fascinating. Feel free to contribute to the list in the comments. Note: Both 'funguses' and 'fungi' are accepted plural forms of 'fungus'. To verify this, click here.
10. Claviceps Purpurea
Why It's Incredible: It causes uncontrollable dancing, leads to limb loss, and is the source of LSD.
Claviceps purpurea is a fungus that infects the ears of rye and other related cereal and forage plants. If humans or animals consume grains or seeds contaminated with the fruiting body of this fungus, known as the ergot sclerotium, it can lead to ergotism. Commonly referred to as 'St. Anthony’s Fire,' the condition gets its name from the monks who cared for sufferers, who experienced painful burning sensations in their limbs. These effects are caused by ergot alkaloids, which constrict blood vessels and can lead to gangrene and loss of limbs due to poor blood flow. The convulsions caused by ergot-tainted rye have also been linked to the 'bewitchment' accusations during the Salem witch trials.
9. Omphalotus Olearius
Why It's Incredible: It’s so delicious that it makes you crave more, despite the fact that it makes you sick. Oh – and it glows in the dark.
The Jack o’Lantern mushroom (Omphalotus olearius) is an orange- to yellow-gilled mushroom that, to the untrained eye, can resemble chanterelles. Its most fascinating feature is its ability to glow in the dark. Previously known as Omphalotus illudens and Clitocybe illudens, this mushroom is poisonous. While not fatal, consuming it causes severe cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. The danger is compounded by its enticing smell and appearance, leading to reports of people being poisoned repeatedly after being lured by its tempting looks.
8. Cordyceps Sinensis
Why It's Incredible: It takes over, mummifies, and grows from caterpillars.
Caterpillar fungus arises from a parasitic relationship between the Cordyceps fungus and the larva of the ghost moth. The caterpillars, which are susceptible to the fungus, live underground in the alpine grasslands and shrublands of the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas, at elevations ranging from 3000m to 5000m. The larvae can stay underground for up to five years before becoming pupae, but during this time, they are attacked while feeding on plant roots. The fungus invades the body of the Thitarodes caterpillar, filling its entire body cavity with mycelium and ultimately killing and mummifying it. The caterpillars die near the entrance of their burrows, and in the spring or early summer, the dark brown to black fruiting body (or mushroom) emerges from the ground, growing out of the caterpillar’s head. The long, typically columnar fruiting body can reach 5-15 cm in height and releases spores. Revered as a medicinal mushroom, it is highly sought after in Tibetan, Chinese, and traditional folk medicine, where it is used as an aphrodisiac and a treatment for various conditions, from fatigue to cancer.
7. Trametes Versicolor
Why It's Incredible: It’s visually captivating and plays a role in cancer treatment.
Trametes versicolor, formerly known as Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor, is a widespread mushroom in the Trametes genus. The name 'versicolor' means 'of many colors,' and true to its name, this mushroom comes in a vast array of colors. In the United States, it’s commonly referred to as the 'Turkey Tail' due to its resemblance to a turkey’s tail feathers. In Europe and Japan, polysaccharide-K (marketed as Krestin), a compound derived from Trametes versicolor, is used as an approved cancer treatment adjuvant. While it doesn’t directly target cancer cells, it boosts the effectiveness of certain cancer medications. Recent studies also suggest it may possess anti-HIV properties.
6. Penicillium Roqueforti
Why It's Incredible: It transforms a simple lump of curdled milk into one of the most delicious treats available.
Penicillium roqueforti is primarily used in the production of blue cheeses, flavorings, antifungals, polysaccharides, proteases, and various enzymes. It has been a key ingredient in Roquefort, Stilton, and other blue cheeses since around 50 AD; blue cheese was even mentioned in literature as early as AD 79, when Pliny the Elder praised its rich flavor. Penicillium roqueforti originates from the soil of the caves of Mont Combalou in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. In the past, cheesemakers would place bread in the caves for six to eight weeks to allow the mold to consume it, then dry the bread’s interior to create a powder. Today, the mold is often cultivated in laboratories for more consistency. The mold can be introduced to the curd directly or dispersed as an aerosol through holes in the cheese rind.
5. Aspergillus Niger
Why It's Incredible: It devastated the Italian lemon industry and is integral in producing high-fructose corn syrup.
Industrial-scale citric acid production began in 1890, inspired by the Italian citrus fruit industry. However, just 27 years later, in 1917, American food chemist James Currie discovered that certain strains of the mold Aspergillus niger could efficiently produce citric acid. Two years later, Pfizer began large-scale production using this technique, followed by Citrique Belge in 1929. This breakthrough effectively ended the dominance of the Italian citrus industry. Aspergillus niger is also involved in producing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is commonly used as a sugar substitute in the United States and is found in a wide range of processed foods and beverages, such as soft drinks, yogurt, cookies, salad dressings, and tomato soup.
4. Neurospora Crassa
Why It's Incredible: It played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of genes and DNA.
Neurospora crassa was used by Edward Tatum and George Wells Beadle in their groundbreaking experiments that earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1958. Beadle and Tatum exposed N. crassa to x-rays, inducing mutations. They observed disruptions in metabolic pathways caused by specific enzyme errors, which led them to propose the 'one gene, one enzyme' hypothesis, suggesting that specific genes code for particular proteins. Neurospora crassa continues to be a vital organism in genetic research worldwide, contributing to studies in circadian rhythms, epigenetics, gene silencing, cell polarity, development, and many areas of cell biology and biochemistry.
3. Penicillium Chrysogenum
Why It's Incredible: It’s the source of life-saving penicillin.
Penicillin antibiotics are historically important as they were the first to effectively treat many serious diseases that had previously been difficult to combat, such as syphilis and Staphylococcus infections. The discovery was made in 1928 when Alexander Fleming's lab assistant left a window open overnight, exposing Staphylococcus bacterial samples to mold spores. Initially frustrated with the contamination, Fleming almost discarded the specimens, but upon closer examination, he noticed something fascinating. Under the microscope, the bacteria around the blue-green mold were dying, as the mold inhibited the bacteria’s ability to form new cell walls and reproduce. The mold was identified as Penicillium notatum (now known as Penicillium chrysogenum), which produces the antibiotic penicillin G. Subsequent tests on humans and animals confirmed its ability to kill bacteria and its suitability for medical use.
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2. Phytophthora Infestans
Why It's Incredible: It reshaped both Ireland and the course of modern America.
The Great Famine, which occurred from 1845 to 1852, was a devastating period marked by widespread starvation, disease, and mass emigration, reducing Ireland's population by 20 to 25 percent. Around one million people died, and another million fled the country. Many of the emigrants headed to America, where they played a significant role in shaping cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, by 1850 making up a quarter of their populations. The cause of the famine was the fungus Phytophthora infestans. While the exact origins remain uncertain, one theory suggests that it may have come from the northern Andes region of South America, specifically Peru. The fungus is believed to have been transported to Europe on ships carrying guano, a fertilizer that was highly sought after by European and British farmers.
1. Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Why It's Incredible: It plays a crucial role in creating bread, wine, and beer.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a species of budding yeast that holds significant importance, especially in the world of baking and brewing. This yeast has been utilized since ancient times, originally being isolated from the skins of grapes. It's commonly visible as a thin white film on the surface of certain dark fruits like plums. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is responsible for the fermentation process in beer, where it breaks down sugars from grains into alcohol and carbon dioxide, transforming wort into beer. Not only does it aid in fermentation, but it also contributes to the flavor and overall character of the beverage.
