What's in mushrooms

Molecules in it 7

• Monosodium glutamateC5H8NNaO4

  On MoleculeFinder's curated mushrooms list from source

  MSG, the sodium salt of glutamic acid and the purest form of savory taste. It is what the tongue is detecting when food reads as umami.

• ErgocalciferolC28H44O

  On MoleculeFinder's curated mushrooms list from source

  Vitamin D2, the plant and fungal form. Mushrooms exposed to ultraviolet light make it, which is why some are sold as vitamin D enhanced.

  As a pure substance, its GHS hazard label: signal word Danger; Toxic, Health hazard from source

• ChitinC8H15NO6

  On MoleculeFinder's curated mushrooms list from source

  The tough polymer that makes up insect shells, crab shells, and fungal cell walls. After cellulose it is the second most abundant biopolymer on earth.

• SeleniumSe

  On MoleculeFinder's curated mushrooms list from source

  A trace nutrient the body needs for a handful of enzymes, and the element that made the first photocopiers work. Element 34.

  As a pure substance: LD50 6,700 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• CopperCu

  On MoleculeFinder's curated mushrooms list from source

  The first metal people smelted, and the reason electricity is affordable to move. It is also a trace nutrient and a surface that kills bacteria on contact. Element 29.

  As a pure substance: LD50 3.5 mg/kg (mouse, other) from source

• RiboflavinC17H20N4O6

  On MoleculeFinder's curated mushrooms list from source

  Vitamin B2, the pigment that makes a B-complex vitamin bright yellow and, taken in excess, turns urine fluorescent yellow-green.

  As a pure substance: LD50 10,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• AgaritineC12H17N3O4

  On MoleculeFinder's curated mushrooms list from source

  A naturally occurring hydrazine compound in common button mushrooms, largely destroyed by cooking and by storage.