Fungal Species: Armillaria

Stage-Specific Lipidomes of Gastrodia elata Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Fungal Symbiosis

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Researchers studied how a special orchid called Gastrodia elata communicates with its fungal partner Armillaria. They found that tiny fat-like packages called extracellular vesicles carry specific molecules that help the orchid and fungus work together. These special molecules, including compounds like 7,8-dehydroastaxanthin, are most abundant when the orchid is actively absorbing nutrients from the fungus.

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Diploid-dominant life cycles characterize the early evolution of Fungi

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Scientists studied the evolutionary history of fungi by sequencing the genomes of 69 water-dwelling fungi. They discovered that contrary to what textbooks say, many fungi actually have diploid-dominant life cycles (like animals) rather than haploid-dominant ones (with single copies of genes). The ancient ancestor of all fungi was likely diploid, and different fungal groups lost this trait at different times in evolution.

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Integrated peloton and fruiting body isotope data shed light on mycoheterotrophic interactions in Gastrodia pubilabiata (Orchidaceae)

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This study examined how a special orchid called Gastrodia pubilabiata obtains nutrients from fungi by comparing the chemical signatures of fungal cells found inside the orchid’s roots with those of mushroom fruiting bodies. The researchers found that the fungal cells inside the roots had nearly identical chemical signatures to the mushroom fruiting bodies, confirming that scientists can accurately study this relationship by analyzing extracted fungal cells. This finding helps validate a scientific method that has been increasingly used to understand how orchids feed on fungi without performing photosynthesis.

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Integrated peloton and fruiting body isotope data shed light on mycoheterotrophic interactions in Gastrodia pubilabiata (Orchidaceae)

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Some orchids don’t photosynthesize and instead get their nutrients directly from fungi they associate with. This study examined an unusual orchid species whose roots grow in direct contact with mushroom fruiting bodies. By analyzing the chemical signatures of different parts of this system, researchers confirmed that examining fungal threads extracted from orchid roots accurately reflects the fungal partner’s composition, validating a method that helps scientists study these fascinating plant-fungus partnerships when mushrooms cannot be easily found.

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