Date of the last update: 02.05.2025
Fungi play a key role in many ecosystems, affect human health and are used in various industries. Mycology is defined as the branch of biology that focuses on the study of fungi, which includes organisms such as mushrooms, yeasts, and molds. Mycology although it may seem niche in reality is not. It opens the door to understanding the complex world of fungi, which have a huge impact on the advancement of technology and growing environmental awareness.
Table of contents:
- What is mycology?
- What does a mycologist do?
- Main divisions of mycology
- Mycology and ecotherapy
- Summary
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What is mycology?
Mycology (Gr. mýkēs ‘fungus’, lógos ‘word’, ‘science’) is the science that deals with the study of fungi, their structure, reproduction and classification. Fungi cover a wide range of organisms, including yeasts, moulds and large-celled fungi. Mycological research covers various aspects of these organisms, including their structure, function, genetics, ecology and numerous applications.
What does a mycologist do?
A mycologist studies fungi, including their classification, ecology, genetics and biochemical properties. He analyses the diversity of fungal species, their roles in ecosystems and their interactions with other organisms. In addition, the mycologist studies the applications of fungi in various fields. The mycologist’s work also includes the identification and control of pathogenic fungi that can affect human, animal and plant health.
Main divisions of mycology
Mycology was at first not a separate discipline, but was part of botany, dealing only with the detailed study of fungi. It was not until the 19th century, when the unique characteristics and importance of fungi in nature and their impact on various aspects of human life were understood, that mycology began to develop as an independent science. It became a key discipline in ecological, medical, industrial and agricultural research, offering a wide range of knowledge about the diversity, functions and uses of fungi.
Today, mycologists not only identify and classify different fungal species, but also study their genetics, biochemistry and role in ecosystems, contributing to innovative discoveries in many industries. It is worth mentioning that the term mycology was also used in Poland, which has been replaced by the currently used term mycology.
Systematic mycology
Systematic mycology deals with the classification and identification of fungi. Systematic mycologists study the diversity of fungi, describe new species and classify them according to genetic relatedness. This work is central to understanding the evolution of fungi and their relationships with other organisms.
Medical mycology
Medical mycology focuses on fungi that are relevant to human and animal health. Research in this field very often includes fungal pathogens that can cause disease, such as candidiasis or aspergillosis, and fungi that produce toxins (mycotoxins).
Medical mycology
Medical mycology is key to improving healthcare and developing treatment strategies for cancer therapies. An interesting scientific study in this field is the review ‘Anticancer effects of medicinal fungi’ by S. L. C. Wang and colleagues, published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in 2018. The study evaluates how polysaccharides and other bioactive compounds in medicinal mushrooms can support cancer therapies, improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects.
Explore more: Medicinal mushrooms: properties
Industrial mycology
Industrial mycology deals with the use of fungi in industry. Fungi are used in the production of food (e.g. mould cheese, beer, wine), medicines (antibiotics, immunosuppressants) and biotechnology (enzymes, bioethanol). This branch of mycology investigates the optimisation of production processes and the development of new products based on fungi. It is worth noting that it has great potential in the production of technology, thus contributing to sustainable development and the creation of products that are environmentally friendly.
Agricultural mycology
Agricultural mycology studies the effects of fungi on agricultural crops. This includes both plant pathogens, which can cause disease and yield losses, and symbiotic fungi, which promote plant growth through mycorrhiza. The work of agricultural mycologists is crucial to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture.
Applied mycology
Applied mycology deals with the practical use of fungi in various areas of life. Among other things, the modern use of fungi results in ecological products that not only improve the quality of life, but also have a positive impact on the environment.
Building mycology
Building mycology deals with the study of the effects of fungi on building materials and the structure of buildings. It includes the identification and control of harmful fungi, such as moulds, which cause degradation of wood, plaster and other construction materials. In addition, building mycology studies methods of preventing and controlling fungal infestation to ensure the longevity of buildings and the health of their occupants.
Veterinary mycology
Veterinary mycology deals with the study of fungi that cause disease in animals. It includes the identification of pathogenic fungi, the diagnosis of fungal infections and the development of methods for the treatment and prevention of these diseases. In addition, veterinary mycology studies the effects of fungi on the health of livestock and domestic animals, which is of crucial importance to veterinary medicine and the agricultural industry.
Mycology and ecotherapy
Mycology is an invaluable tool in ecotherapy. Through mycological research, we can better understand how to use fungi to improve the health of our ecosystems. Many species of fungi have medicinal properties and collecting them is not just an opportunity to get in touch with nature, but, more interestingly, an ecotherapeutic activity that promotes human regeneration and mental and physical health. Combined with eating the fungi it creates a balanced way of therapy, hobby and food foraging.
Check out also: What to take with you for mushrooms?
Summary
Mycology, as the science that studies fungi, plays an important role in diverse ecosystems, influencing both human health and the development of technologies from industry to medicine, as well as increasing environmental awareness. Mycological research provides a better understanding of the functions of fungi in nature and their importance for environmental and human health. Through them, there is a good chance that innovative solutions for environmental protection, human health and also sustainable development can be developed in the future.
