Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Secondary metabolites in fungi have three main ecological functions: protection against predation, communication with other mushrooms, and assistance in pathogenic interactions. These compounds have also led to the common use of mushrooms as food and in traditional Chinese or other medicinal applications. However, there are currently few good resources for identifying mushroom species in North-Central Indiana. In addition, limited research exists on secondary metabolites in mushrooms. The objective of this research was to create a preliminary database of mushroom species at Saint Mary’s College and conduct preliminary research on the secondary metabolites of these local species. Fungal specimens were identified in the Saint Mary’s Nature Area and other wooded areas on campus. Specimens were photographed throughout the year. Summer species were collected, then dried at 60°C and ground into a fine powder. Secondary metabolites were extracted from dried samples with methanol, then analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Forty-five species were identified in total, 14 of which were chemically analyzed. Chemical data analysis focused on four samples of Cerioporus squamosus. Two specimens of this species found in the Nature Area had a larger number of chemical compounds, while two found on main campus were dominated by just a few compounds. Future steps include processing GCMS data from non-Cerioporus squamosus specimens to determine the secondary metabolites that are present and continued identification work to determine a fuller picture of the diversity of mushroom species on campus.
Included in
Biology Commons, Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Other Plant Sciences Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Where the Wild Mushrooms Are: Species and Secondary Metabolite Diversity in Fungal Species on the Saint Mary’s College Campus
Secondary metabolites in fungi have three main ecological functions: protection against predation, communication with other mushrooms, and assistance in pathogenic interactions. These compounds have also led to the common use of mushrooms as food and in traditional Chinese or other medicinal applications. However, there are currently few good resources for identifying mushroom species in North-Central Indiana. In addition, limited research exists on secondary metabolites in mushrooms. The objective of this research was to create a preliminary database of mushroom species at Saint Mary’s College and conduct preliminary research on the secondary metabolites of these local species. Fungal specimens were identified in the Saint Mary’s Nature Area and other wooded areas on campus. Specimens were photographed throughout the year. Summer species were collected, then dried at 60°C and ground into a fine powder. Secondary metabolites were extracted from dried samples with methanol, then analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Forty-five species were identified in total, 14 of which were chemically analyzed. Chemical data analysis focused on four samples of Cerioporus squamosus. Two specimens of this species found in the Nature Area had a larger number of chemical compounds, while two found on main campus were dominated by just a few compounds. Future steps include processing GCMS data from non-Cerioporus squamosus specimens to determine the secondary metabolites that are present and continued identification work to determine a fuller picture of the diversity of mushroom species on campus.
Comments
Cassie Majetic, cmajetic@saintmarys.edu, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, IN