Physical principles of morphogenesis in mushrooms

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Biophysics
• Mathematical Biology

Background:

• Mushroom species exhibit diverse morphogenetic features, with some caps expanding and inverting similarly.
• Notable differences exist, such as the development of a central cap depression in Mycena chlorophos but not in Amanita muscaria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To mathematically model the interplay between physics and biology in determining mushroom cap morphology.
• To explain the emergence of distinct cap shapes in Amanita muscaria and Mycena chlorophos.

Main Methods:

• Development and analytical solution of a growth elastic model.
• Mapping the shape evolution of mushroom caps over time using the model.

Main Results:

• Biological growth processes are similar, but differing physical factors dictate final cap shape.
• Amanita muscaria's large size makes a central depression unstable against wind.
• Mycena chlorophos's smaller size allows for a stable depression, optimizing spore dispersal and volume.

Conclusions:

• Physical constraints, particularly environmental stability, are key drivers of mushroom morphology.
• The study provides explicit analytical solutions for growth parameters influencing morphology.
• Findings offer insights for bio-inspired material design.