Question

What is the classification and history Galerina marginata?

What is the significance of Galerina marginata and how does it relate to science, environment, or health?

Is it pathogenic? If so, what does it cause and what is the treatment? Who does it affect and What part of the world is it found in?

Is there anything about Galerina marginata that makes it unique and interesting?

Answer 1

Glaneria marginata is a white-rot fungus.

Following is it's classification-

Kingdom- Fungi

Family- Basidiomycota

Class- Agaricomycetes

Order- Agaricales

Family- Hymenogastraceae

Genus- Galerina

Specie- G. marginata

History- Prior to 2001, the species G. autumnalis, G. oregonensis, G. unicolor, and G. venenata were thought to be separate due to differences in habitat and the viscidity of their caps, but the comparision of the DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of ribosomal DNA showed that they are all the same species.

Like any other organism, G. marginata has it's own niche in our environment. Since it is a white rot fungus, it is capable of degrading lignin, the phenolic polymer that contributes to the strength and structure of plant cell walls. By examining a taxonomic diversity of white rot fungi, we can hope to identify core enzymes necessary for lignin degradation, as well as sampling the diversity of enzymes used across taxa. Such surveys of enzymatic diversity will enable fine-tuning of industrial fermentation processes, e.g. for biofuel production. Additionally, G. marginata is a lethally poisonous mushroom, containing amatoxins, potent inhibitors of RNA polymerase II. While Amanita exhibits the greatest number of amatoxin producing species and produces the majority of human and animal fatalities, Galerina has been implicated in several poisonings.

Well, it is a toxic saprophyte (fungus), not pathogenic. However, it's toxins can cause some serious problems. he toxin contained in Galerina is -amanitin.-amanitin works by slowly attacking the enzyme RNA polymerase. Although RNA polymerase occurs in all body cells, the cells of the liver are particularly affected because the body tries to sequester (and accumulate) toxins in the liver, and those cells are damaged the most. The a-amanitin ultimately affects the central nervous system and kidneys. Unlike many fungal toxins it does not cause symptoms right away. As long as 6-24 hours after ingestion there may be an early feeling of unease, followed by violent cramps and diarrhea. On the third day, there is a remission of symptoms, but this is a false remission. On the 4th to 5th day the enzymes increase, and liver and kidneys are severely affected. Death often follows if a liver transplant or other heroic measures are not performed. There is no cure for ingestion of the poison once it gets this far, but doctors are getting much better at treating the symptoms.

It is saprobic on the rotting wood of fallen hardwoods and conifers (in the Midwest, often but not exclusively found on the deadwood of eastern cottonwood); causing a stringy white rot; usually growing in clusters, but occasionally growing gregariously or alone; most frequent in spring and fall, but found year-round; widely distributed and common in North America

As stated earlier, every organism is unique and has it's own niche. Particularly, it's deadly poison makes it unique. The major danger with Galerina is accidentally and carelessly placing some Galerina fruiting bodies into your collecting basket along with mushrooms they superficially resemble, such as Armillaria gallica, the honey mushroom or Flammulina velutipes, the velvet stem mushroom