Dissimilar Reactions and Enzymes for Psilocybin Biosynthesis in Inocybe and Psilocybe Mushrooms
This study reveals that two different types of magic mushrooms—Psilocybe and Inocybe—make psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) using completely different enzymes and chemical pathways. Despite both mushroom types producing the same final product, they evolved their recipes independently, like two chefs arriving at the same dish through entirely different cooking methods. The research shows how evolution can solve the same problem in multiple ways and provides new enzymes that could be useful for producing psilocybin as a potential depression treatment.