Why do some fungi glow in the dark?
Quick Answer
Some fungi are bioluminescent because they produce light through a chemical reaction. The glow is usually faint and greenish.
The Full Story
Bioluminescent fungi create light using a luciferin-luciferase-type reaction, similar in principle to glowing fireflies. The exact evolutionary purpose is still debated, but one leading idea is that the glow may attract insects that help spread fungal spores. Another possibility is that it is a byproduct of metabolism or helps protect the fungus from oxidative stress. The phenomenon occurs in only a small number of species, including some mushrooms in the genera Mycena and Omphalotus. It is one of nature’s least obvious forms of light production.
Key Facts
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"The mushrooms that glow like tiny lanterns at night"
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