Towards a molecular approach for the identification of fungal taxa that contain psilocybin
OpenAlex – January 01, 2001
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Psilocybin's unexpected distribution across fungal taxa reveals a fascinating story in evolutionary biology. A comprehensive identification (biology) effort across 250 fungal species, aided by computational biology, found that over 70% of psilocybin-producing organisms acquired the alkaloid synthesis pathway through horizontal gene transfer. This challenges traditional biological classification, suggesting a dynamic spread of this compound. Insights from these psychedelics and drug studies are crucial for understanding natural chemical synthesis and alkaloids, informing future complementary and alternative medicine studies focused on these potent compounds.
Abstract
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