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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Hyphae and Mycelium?

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Hyphae and mycelium are both part of the fungi structure, but they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics. Here are the main differences between them:

  • Hyphae: These are the long, branched, and tubular projections of fungus that are involved in food absorption. Hyphae are typically about 4-6 micrometers in diameter and are composed of one or more cells surrounded by a tubular cell wall. They can be divided into cells by internal walls called septa, forming septate hyphae, or remain unseparated, forming coenocytic hyphae.
  • Mycelium: This is the total mass of hyphae of a fungus, forming the thallus or vegetative part of the fungus. Mycelium can be microscopic or visible, as in the case of mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, and truffles. It is the mycelium that produces spores and is involved in the sexual reproduction of some fungi.

In summary, hyphae are the individual thread-like structures of fungi, while mycelium is the mass of hyphae that make up the vegetative part of the fungus. Both hyphae and mycelium are essential components of multicellular filamentous fungi, and they play crucial roles in the growth and reproduction of the organism.

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  • What is the Difference Between Hyphae and Mycelium?
  • Comparative Table: Hyphae vs Mycelium

    • Comparative Table: Hyphae vs Mycelium

    Here is a table comparing the differences between hyphae and mycelium:

    Feature Hyphae Mycelium
    Definition Hyphae are long, branched, and tubular projections of fungi that make up the mycelium. Mycelium is the vegetative part of the fungus, consisting of fine, white filaments called hyphae.
    Structure Hyphae are thread-like filaments, about 4-6 micrometers in diameter. Mycelium is a mass of hyphae that forms the thallus or vegetative part of the fungus.
    Function Hyphae are involved in food absorption and penetrating substrates. Mycelium functions in the macro level, forming the body of the fungus.
    Spores Spores are produced on the mycelium. Mycelium produces spores.
    Growth Hyphae grow at the tip with the help of an organelle called the spitzenkörper. Mycelium does not have a specific area of growth, as it is the entire mass of hyphae.
    Reproduction Dikaryotic mycelium can reproduce sexually. Mycelium can reproduce both sexually and asexually through spores.
    Presence in Yeast Hyphae are present in yeast. Mycelium is not present in individual yeast cells.

    Both hyphae and mycelium are essential for the growth and reproduction of fungi. While hyphae are the building blocks of the mycelium, the mycelium forms the body of the fungus and is responsible for producing spores for reproduction.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.