Agaricomycotina

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Agaricomycotina is a subphylum of the phylum Basidiomycota within the kingdom Fungi. This subphylum includes a diverse group of fungi, many of which are commonly known as mushrooms, bracket fungi, and jelly fungi. Agaricomycotina is characterized by the production of basidia, which are specialized reproductive cells where meiosis occurs, leading to the formation of basidiospores.

Classification

Agaricomycotina is divided into three classes:

• Agaricomycetes: This class includes the majority of the mushroom-forming fungi, such as the Agaricales (gilled mushrooms), Boletales (boletes), and Russulales (brittlegills and milk-caps).
• Dacrymycetes: This class is known for its jelly-like fruiting bodies and includes the order Dacrymycetales.
• Tremellomycetes: This class includes fungi with gelatinous fruiting bodies, such as the Tremellales and Cystofilobasidiales.

Morphology

Members of Agaricomycotina exhibit a wide range of morphological forms. The most familiar are the agarics, which have a cap and stem structure with gills on the underside of the cap. Other forms include the polypores, which have pores or tubes on the underside of the fruiting body, and the coral fungi, which have branched, coral-like structures.

Ecology

Agaricomycotina fungi play crucial roles in various ecosystems. Many are saprotrophic, decomposing dead organic matter and recycling nutrients. Others form mycorrhizal associations with plants, aiding in nutrient absorption. Some species are parasitic, infecting plants, other fungi, or even animals.

Economic Importance

Several species within Agaricomycotina are of significant economic importance. Edible mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom) and Lentinula edodes (shiitake) are cultivated worldwide. Other species are used in bioremediation and the production of medicinal compounds.

Research and Genomics

The genomes of several Agaricomycotina species have been sequenced, providing insights into their evolution, metabolism, and ecological roles. Research in this area continues to expand our understanding of fungal biology and the potential applications of these organisms in various industries.

See Also

• Basidiomycota
• Fungi
• Mycology
• Mushroom
• Mycorrhiza