Key concepts
- Hyphae are fungal filaments.
- A mycelium is a network of hyphae.
- Many fungi absorb nutrients after external digestion.
The lesson
A mycelium is a network of fungal filaments called hyphae. It may grow through wood, soil or other substrates. A mushroom is a reproductive structure produced by some fungi; it is only part of the organism.
Fungi obtain carbon from organic material. Many release enzymes outside their cells and absorb the smaller molecules that result. Unicellular yeasts show why the familiar mushroom cannot stand for all fungi.
Further reading
A moment to apply it
Put it into practice
Sketch a mushroom above its substrate and add a possible mycelium below it. Mark which structures are observed and which are inferred.
Keep in mind
An observation of a fruiting body does not measure the size or activity of the mycelium.
Educational material. Check the linked reading and distinguish general principles from evidence about a particular specimen or field site. Lessons do not establish edibility or causal effects on livestock performance.