Fungi Close-up

What is a fungus made up of?

When you see a toadstool or mushroom you may think that this is the main part of the fungus. This is really just the reproductive part, the main part of the fungus is under ground. This main part is called the mycelium and is made up of very fine tubes called hyphae. The hyphae are only one cell wide so that is easy for each cell to obtain food.

What does the mushroom part of the fungus do?

The mushroom or toadstool part of the fungus is the fruiting body and is used for reproduction. Spores are produced in the gills of the mushroom. Air currents disperse these tiny spores. When they land in a suitable place, they germinate and grow into new hyphae.