Psilocybe
1. Classification
a. Higher order taxa
The genus Psilocybe is of the domain Fungi, the phylum Basidiomycota, the class Agaricomycetes, the order Agaricales, and the family Strophariaceae (1).
2. Description and significance
The genus Psilocybe composes the fungi known as “magic mushrooms.” These are psychedelic mushrooms that produce the metabolite psilocybin (2). Members of this genus are distributed worldwide and are able to grow in most biomes. The greatest species diversity is found in the neotropic zone, specifically Mexico, while other important members are found in the forests of Japan and China (2,3). This genus is important because of the increasing use of its hallucinogenic molecule as a recreational psychedelic drug, as well as its potential use in alleviating the symptoms of certain mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (4,5). How and why these mushrooms make this molecule is unknown, and current research continues to focus on its effects as opposed to its purpose in the fungi.
3. Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
4. Cell structure
Interesting features of cell structure. Can be combined with “metabolic processes”
5. Metabolic processes
Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).
6. Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
7. Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
8. Current Research
Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose
9. References
It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.
