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The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), a prized culinary delicacy, is also a carnivorous organism that preys on nematodes (tiny roundworms) for protein. Growing on dead or dying trees, the mushroom compensates for the wood's low protein content by killing and consuming nematodes. It uses specialized structures: tiny balls on its hyphae (long filaments), which release a deadly nerve gas, 3-octanone, upon contact. This gas causes a massive influx of calcium ions in the nematode's nerves and muscles, leading to instant paralysis and death. The fungal filaments then penetrate the nematode's body, dissolving tissues and absorbing nutrients. Researchers have suggested that oyster mushrooms could potentially be used to control nematode populations that damage crop plants.Read more - https://tinyurl.com/3r7he5xc#TodayILearned #sciencesphere