Snowball: a novel gene family required for developmental patterning of fruiting bodies of mushroom-forming fungi (Agaricomycetes)
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Scientists discovered a new gene called snb1 that is critical for mushroom development. When this gene is removed, mushrooms grow into simple ball-shaped structures without the normal parts like caps and stems. By studying these abnormal mushrooms, researchers identified many other genes involved in proper mushroom formation. This discovery helps explain how mushrooms develop their complex structures from simple fungal networks.