Fungal decomposition is the job of the mycelium, a vast network of underground cells that permeate the soil. (The mushroom itself is the fruit of the mycelium.) Now recognized as the largest biological entities on the planet, with some individual mycelial mats covering more than 20,000 acres, these fungal masses secrete extra cellular enzymes and acids that break down lignin and cellulose, the two main building blocks of plant fiber, which are formed of long chains of carbon and hydrogen.

You know, I don't have a clue what all that stuff means, but I figure it might make nanochick give me some bio-lovin'. Actually, an interesting read about how mushrooms have the ability to break down toxins and could be a pre-emptive strike on areas with large amounts of disease.