The introduction of recombinant DNA technology in the field of
mushroom research has resulted in the cloning and characterization
of a large number of genes. In order to study the genetics of compost colonization
of A. bisporus, genes encoding enzymes involved
in utilization of this substrate have been isolated. In addition, a number
of genes which are induced in fruit bodies during fruit body
development have been cloned and they will provide more insight in the
genetics of this economically important aspect of the life
cycle. Other genes that were cloned encode proteins of basic biochemical
routes. They provide knowledge on the importance and
regulation of these routes in the life cycle of A. bisporus and
add to knowledge on the general architecture of A. bisporus genes.
Here
we present an overview of the currently available biochemical and molecular
data of A. bisporus and we discuss the importance of
the available genes as genetic markers for breeding purposes.