RT Journal Article ID 3f58286b575d8a9c A1 Stajic, Mirjana A1 Glamoclija, Jasmina A1 Maksimovic, Vuk A1 Vukojević, Jelena A1 Simonic, Jasmina A1 Zervakis, Georgios I. T1 A Comparative Assessment of the Potential of Polysaccharide Production and Intracellular Sugar Composition within Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.)P. Karst. (Aphyllophoromycetideae) JF International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms JO IJM YR 2011 FD 2011-05-11 VO 13 IS 2 SP 153 OP 158 K1 medicinal mushrooms K1 Lingzhi or Reishi mushroom K1 Ganoderma lucidum K1 extracellular polysaccharide K1 intracellular polysaccharide K1 intracellular sugars AB Ganoderma lucidum is a well-known medicinal mushroom species in which polysaccharides are one of the major sources of biological activity. The species was considered as a species-complex due to significant variations in morphological, biochemical, and genetic features among populations with a worldwide distribution. This fact was the basis for setting the aim of this research: to study intraspecific diversity in polysaccharide production and intracellular sugar composition among selected G. lucidum strains. The presence of intraspecific diversity among 10 G. lucidum strains, from different areas worldwide, was noted. Values of produced mycelia biomass and intracellular polysaccharides were found in wide ranges (3.1−28.2 g L−1 and 20.0−53.3 mg g−1, respectively), while differences in extracellular polysaccharide amounts were minor (0.2−1.5 mg mL−1). The significant quantitative and qualitative differences in intracellular sugar composition were noted. Glucose was the predominant sugar in almost all strains except one (HAI 447), where sucrose was dominant. The potential of polysaccharide production and intracellular sugar composition could be one more taxonomic criterion for strain characterization within G. lucidum. The differences in intracellular sugar composition and proportions could be reflected in features of produced polysaccharides and also in their biological activities. PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,31e1791e300b7e1e,3f58286b575d8a9c.html