LONDON: Bioluminescence in some mushrooms has baffled the scientists since long. One such special mushroom, called ‘flor de coco,’ grows among decaying leaves at the bottom of young palm trees in coconut forests of Brazil. However, a recent research has uncovered the secret behind the bioluminescence of this big yellow mushroom. The researchers conducted an experiment and observed that the mushroom attracts insects and other creatures with its nighttime bioluminescence, which helps it to spread spores throughout the forest.
Aristotle was the first to ask about the unusual glowing of the mushroom. Biochemist Cassius Stevani from Brazil’s Instituto de Quimica-Universidade de Sao Paulo explained “The answer appears to be that fungi make light so they are noticed by insects who can help the fungus colonize new habitats.” The concept of bioluminescence has been further explained by Jay Dunlap, geneticist and molecular biologist from Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine. This unique feature has evolved in several life forms like fishes, bacteria and insects. He remarked “Most of these make light in their own way, that is, with biochemistry that is unique to each organism.”
