Jack-o'-lantern mushroom: Difference between revisions

The jack-o'-lantern mushroom's most notable characteristic is its ability to glow in the dark. This uncommon trait is called bioluminescence and is thought to be caused by the same enzymes used by fireflies. these enzymes are a mix of luciferin and luciferase that make the gills of the mushroom glow an eerie green color in total darkness. As long as the mushroom has water and oxygen it can glow forever. Scientists aren't quite sure why these mushrooms (and a few others) glow in the dark because there is no notable advantage to the organism itself. <ref>Unknown. [http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110706154213.htm Mushroom Lights Up the Night in Brazil: Researcher Finds Bioluminescent Fungus Not Seen Since 1840] ''ScienceDaily''. Web. July 7, 2011 (Date-of-Publication). </ref>

This bioluminescent trait can be tested at home as long as you have jack-o'-lantern mushrooms nearby. The mushrooms have to be fresh and wrapped in a damp paper towel because the chemical reaction requires water. If you take the mushrooms into a completely dark room and let your eyes adjust, you might see the faint green glow of these amazing mushrooms.