Why in the News?

A team of researchers and the forest department have found a rare bioluminescent mushroom in the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary (KKWLS).

About Mycena chlorophos:

• Mycena chlorophos is a species of bioluminescent fungus, meaning that it can produce its light.
• It is primarily found in subtropical Asia, including India, Japan, Taiwan, Polynesia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, as well as in Australia and Brazil.
• The bioluminescence is produced through a chemical reaction that involves luciferin, a light-emitting molecule, and the enzyme luciferase.
• Luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, which produces light.
• The luciferin in Mycena chlorophos is a compound called trans-3-hydroxyhispidin.
• This compound is also found in other bioluminescent fungi, such as Neonothopanus nambi and N. gardneri.
• The bioluminescence of Mycena chlorophos is thought to serve several functions.
• It may help the fungus to attract insects, which can help to disperse its spores.
• It may also help the fungus to ward off predators.

What is Bioluminescence?

• It is the ability of living organisms to emit light.
• It occurs due to a biochemical reaction between luciferins, oxygen, and the enzyme luciferase.
• The benefit of bioluminescence in fungi is to attract insects to facilitate their spore dispersal.