Why Is a Mushroom Classified as a Fungus, Not a Plant?

Reproduction

• Plants use sexual reproduction to form seeds. The seeds then spread naturally through pollinators such as animals and the wind. Mushrooms, on the other hand, reproduce asexually, through spores. Spores are carried through the wind and will activate only upon reaching optimal surroundings.

Photosynthesis

• Plants need sunlight to survive. In fact, plants are green because of the chlorophyll found in the cells. Mushrooms, on the other hand, do not require sunlight to survive. In fact, mushrooms thrive in dark, damp environments. That is why mushroom growers store trays of inoculated soil in dark barns, where the mushrooms will grow best.

Body Structure

• A plant is composed of root, stem, leaves and flower. The only part of a plant that is below the surface is the root or root system. A mushroom is composed of hyphae and fruit. The hyphae are thin filament strands of fungus that travel through soil or wood and decompose the matter. The fruit are the part of the mushroom that can be seen above the ground. The only purpose of the fruit is to spread spores.

Life Cycle

• Plants grow to obtain nutrients from the soil and the light. Mushrooms grow by decomposing matter and absorbing the decomposed nutrients as food. Unlike plants, mushrooms can feed off plants and other decomposing matter, including animals.