An unusual black mushroom that feeds on radiation has been discovered in Chernobyl.
In the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, scientists have discovered an unusual microorganism—the black fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum. It not only survives in high levels of radiation, but also grows faster because of it, writes Science Alert.
Cladosporium sphaerospermum Photo: Science Alert
The fungus was found directly on the structures of the destroyed 4th power unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Analysis showed that this species has the unique ability to use the energy of ionizing radiation to maintain growth and metabolism.
Scientists believe that melanin, a dark pigment in cell walls, plays a key role here. It is assumed that melanin works like a "biological solar battery": it absorbs radiation and converts it into chemical energy that the fungus can use for life.
Although the exact mechanism of so-called "radiosynthesis" still needs confirmation, laboratory experiments clearly show that radiation not only does not harm this fungus, but on the contrary, accelerates its growth. This calls into question the traditional view that ionizing radiation always has a destructive effect on living organisms.
The first dark colonies of these fungi were noticed in the late 1990s on the walls of the sarcophagus of the destroyed reactor. Their exceptional resistance to doses of radiation that are lethal to most life forms has aroused great interest among scientists.
Studies have shown an increased concentration of melanin in these organisms and their ability to feel great in extreme conditions that were previously considered unsuitable for the existence of microorganisms.