Fungi 1. Video: Fungi Discovery Channel video 2 mins Discovery Channel video 2 mins Discovery Channel video Discovery Channel video 2

Fungi Fungi

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Video: FungiVideo: Fungi

Discovery Channel video 2 mins 2 mins

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FungiFungi Fungi can be found anywhere from athlete’s foot to Fungi can be found anywhere from athlete’s foot to

spoiled food, and even on our dinner plate. spoiled food, and even on our dinner plate. There are more than one million species of fungi, There are more than one million species of fungi,

many of which are just mushrooms. many of which are just mushrooms. Fungi are more closely related to animals than to Fungi are more closely related to animals than to

plants.plants. The few fungi that are single celled are called yeasts; The few fungi that are single celled are called yeasts;

most fungi are multicellularmost fungi are multicellular and are called molds. and are called molds. They They have cell walls made of chitin. have cell walls made of chitin. Their threadlike fungal filaments are called Their threadlike fungal filaments are called

hyphae.hyphae.

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A fungus usually consists of a mass of threadlike A fungus usually consists of a mass of threadlike hyphaehyphae Called a myceliumCalled a mycelium

Figure 17.15B, C

Hypha

Mycelium

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FungiFungi

Although a few species of fungi can cause Although a few species of fungi can cause disease, most fungi are essential to our disease, most fungi are essential to our ecosystem. ecosystem.

They break down organic material and recycle They break down organic material and recycle nutrients, allowing other organisms to obtain nutrients, allowing other organisms to obtain nutrients that they need. nutrients that they need.

Humans also benefit from fungi in various Humans also benefit from fungi in various industries such as agriculture, forestry, and industries such as agriculture, forestry, and products ranging from bread to antibiotics.products ranging from bread to antibiotics.

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FungiFungi

Plants are autotrophs (they make their own Plants are autotrophs (they make their own food out of sunlight), but food out of sunlight), but fungi are fungi are heterotrophs like animals because they heterotrophs like animals because they cannot make their own food. cannot make their own food.

They cannot run or fly in search of food as They cannot run or fly in search of food as most animals can.most animals can.

But unlike animals, fungi do not ingest (eat) But unlike animals, fungi do not ingest (eat) their food. their food.

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FungiFungi

Instead, Instead, fungi are similar to bacteria fungi are similar to bacteria because fungi use extracellular digestion to because fungi use extracellular digestion to obtain their nutrients.obtain their nutrients.

They digest their food while it is still in the They digest their food while it is still in the environment by secreting powerful enzymes environment by secreting powerful enzymes into their surroundings. into their surroundings.

These enzymes break down large molecules These enzymes break down large molecules into smaller ones that the fungi can absorb and into smaller ones that the fungi can absorb and use.use.

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Fungi absorb food after digesting it outside their Fungi absorb food after digesting it outside their bodiesbodies

Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that digest their Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that digest their food externally and absorb the nutrientsfood externally and absorb the nutrients

Figure 17.15A88

VideosVideos

Fungi are heterotrophic 2 mins 2 mins Fungi Reproductive Structures 2 mins 2 mins

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FungiFungi

Some fungi are decomposers which live off of Some fungi are decomposers which live off of dead animals, feces, and vegetation (saprobes), dead animals, feces, and vegetation (saprobes), some are parasites (live on a host, causing some are parasites (live on a host, causing damage to the host; damage to the host; about 80% of plant about 80% of plant diseases are caused by fungidiseases are caused by fungi),), and some are and some are symbiotic (live with a host in a relationship symbiotic (live with a host in a relationship that is beneficial to the fungi as well as the that is beneficial to the fungi as well as the host). host).

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DECOMPOSERSDECOMPOSERS They areThey are important decomposers in most important decomposers in most

ecosystems; they help to recycle organic matter.ecosystems; they help to recycle organic matter. They decompose organic material, including the They decompose organic material, including the

tough cellulose of plant cell walls. tough cellulose of plant cell walls. Some Fungi can even consume jet fuel and wall paint.Some Fungi can even consume jet fuel and wall paint. Fungi and bacteria are primarily responsible for Fungi and bacteria are primarily responsible for

keeping ecosystems stocked with the inorganic keeping ecosystems stocked with the inorganic nutrients essential for plant growth. nutrients essential for plant growth.

Without fungi, carbon, nitrogen, and other elements Without fungi, carbon, nitrogen, and other elements would become bound up in the soil and unavailable would become bound up in the soil and unavailable for use.for use. 1111

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH PLANTS AND ANIMALSWITH PLANTS AND ANIMALS

Most known species of fungi are not Most known species of fungi are not parasitic.parasitic.

Fungi have symbiotic relationships with Fungi have symbiotic relationships with plants, algae, bacteria, and animals. plants, algae, bacteria, and animals.

All of these relationships have profound All of these relationships have profound ecological effects. ecological effects.

Almost all vascular plants rely on fungi for Almost all vascular plants rely on fungi for essential nutrients.essential nutrients.

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Fungi Help AnimalsFungi Help Animals

Some fungi share their Some fungi share their digestive abilities with digestive abilities with animals, helping to animals, helping to break down plant break down plant material in the intestines material in the intestines of cattle and other of cattle and other grazing mammals.grazing mammals.

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Fungi Help AnimalsFungi Help Animals Many species of ants and termites take advantage of Many species of ants and termites take advantage of

the digestive power of fungi by raising them in on the digestive power of fungi by raising them in on “fungi farms”. “fungi farms”.

These insects even scour tropical forests in search of These insects even scour tropical forests in search of leaves, which they carry back to their nests and feed leaves, which they carry back to their nests and feed to the fungi.to the fungi.

The fungi break down the leaves into a substance that The fungi break down the leaves into a substance that the insects can digest. the insects can digest.

The fungi from these ant farms have become so The fungi from these ant farms have become so dependent on their caretakers that in many cases they dependent on their caretakers that in many cases they no longer can survive without the insects.no longer can survive without the insects.

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Fungi also form mutualistic relationships with Fungi also form mutualistic relationships with animalsanimals

Some animals benefit from the digestive abilities of Some animals benefit from the digestive abilities of lichenslichens

Figure 17.211515

Video: Leaf-Cutting AntsVideo: Leaf-Cutting Ants

Discovery Channel video 2 mins2 mins

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Fungi Help PlantsFungi Help Plants

Fungi are found associated with the earliest Fungi are found associated with the earliest plant fossils. plant fossils.

They helped plants become terrestrial by They helped plants become terrestrial by forming mycorrhizal (fungi roots) forming mycorrhizal (fungi roots) associations with plants and helping early associations with plants and helping early plants to extract mineral nutrients from plants to extract mineral nutrients from hostile soils.hostile soils.

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LICHENSLICHENS A lichen is an association between a fungus and A lichen is an association between a fungus and

cyanobacteria or green algae.cyanobacteria or green algae. Lichens are a mass of photosynthetic microorganisms Lichens are a mass of photosynthetic microorganisms

(algae and bacteria) that are held in place by fungi (algae and bacteria) that are held in place by fungi filaments. filaments.

They form a green carpet that hugs the surface of They form a green carpet that hugs the surface of rocks, logs, trees, etc. rocks, logs, trees, etc.

The merger of fungus, algae, and bacteria is so The merger of fungus, algae, and bacteria is so complete that lichens are actually given scientific complete that lichens are actually given scientific names as though they were single organisms. names as though they were single organisms.

There are more than 13,000 species of lichens, There are more than 13,000 species of lichens, making up 1/5 of all known fungi.making up 1/5 of all known fungi.

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Lichens consist of fungi living mutualistically Lichens consist of fungi living mutualistically with photosynthetic organismswith photosynthetic organisms

Lichens consist of algae or cyanobacteria Lichens consist of algae or cyanobacteria Within a fungal networkWithin a fungal network

Fungalhyphae

Algalcell

Co

loriz

ed

SE

M 1

,00

0

Figure 17.20A, B1919

LichensLichens Each partner organism within lichens provides Each partner organism within lichens provides

something that the others could not obtain on their something that the others could not obtain on their own. own.

The algae provide carbon compounds, the bacteria The algae provide carbon compounds, the bacteria provide nitrogen, and the fungi provide a suitable provide nitrogen, and the fungi provide a suitable environment for growth. environment for growth.

The physical arrangement of the fungi filaments The physical arrangement of the fungi filaments allow for gas exchange, protects the other partners, allow for gas exchange, protects the other partners, and retains water and minerals. and retains water and minerals.

Some fungi produce a toxin that prevents the lichens Some fungi produce a toxin that prevents the lichens from being eaten by animals. from being eaten by animals.

The free-living fungus called The free-living fungus called PenicilliumPenicillium (provides (provides the antibiotic penicillin) is believed to be a the antibiotic penicillin) is believed to be a descendent of a lichen fungus.descendent of a lichen fungus. 2020

LichensLichens

Lichens are important pioneers on new Lichens are important pioneers on new land,land, rocks, and logs from burned forests.rocks, and logs from burned forests.

They break down the surface by physically They break down the surface by physically penetrating with their roots and chemically penetrating with their roots and chemically breaking down the rock, and binding together breaking down the rock, and binding together particles of soil that blow in. particles of soil that blow in.

In this way, solid rocks and dead vegetation In this way, solid rocks and dead vegetation gradually break down into fertile soil. gradually break down into fertile soil.

This makes it possible for new plants to grow.This makes it possible for new plants to grow.

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LichensLichens

Some lichens are thousands of years old. Some lichens are thousands of years old. Lichens can withstand severe drought and Lichens can withstand severe drought and can tolerate severe cold but as lichens are can tolerate severe cold but as lichens are they are sensitive to air pollution.they are sensitive to air pollution.

They are particularly sensitive to sulfur They are particularly sensitive to sulfur dioxide and other poisons that can accumulate dioxide and other poisons that can accumulate in the air. in the air.

The death of sensitive lichens is an early The death of sensitive lichens is an early warning sign that air quality is deteriorating.warning sign that air quality is deteriorating.

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Fungi can be good or badFungi can be good or bad

Toadstools Spores Lichen2323

Parasitic fungi harm plants and animalsParasitic fungi harm plants and animals Parasitic fungi cause 80% of plant diseasesParasitic fungi cause 80% of plant diseases

And some serious human mycosesAnd some serious human mycoses

Dutch Elm Disease

Corn smut Ergots on rye2424

PATHOGENSPATHOGENS

About 30% of fungi make their living as About 30% of fungi make their living as parasites, mostly on plants. parasites, mostly on plants.

For example, Dutch Elm disease has For example, Dutch Elm disease has drastically changed the landscape in the drastically changed the landscape in the northeastern United States when it was northeastern United States when it was accidentally introduced to the US on the logs accidentally introduced to the US on the logs that were sent from Europe to help pay World that were sent from Europe to help pay World War I debts. War I debts.

It was carried from tree to tree by bark beetles.It was carried from tree to tree by bark beetles.

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PATHOGENSPATHOGENS

Fungi are also serious Fungi are also serious agricultural pests. agricultural pests. Between 10% and 50% Between 10% and 50% of the world's fruit of the world's fruit harvest is lost each year harvest is lost each year fungal attacks, such as fungal attacks, such as black stem rust on black stem rust on wheat. wheat.

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PATHOGENSPATHOGENS

Some of the fungi that Some of the fungi that attack food crops are also attack food crops are also toxic to humans. For toxic to humans. For example, a certain species example, a certain species of mold called of mold called AspergillusAspergillus may contaminate may contaminate improperly stored bread, improperly stored bread, peanuts, and jelly, where it peanuts, and jelly, where it secretes a carcinogenic secretes a carcinogenic (cancer-causing) liver toxin (cancer-causing) liver toxin called an aflatoxin. called an aflatoxin.

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PATHOGENSPATHOGENS Therefore, a peanut butter and Therefore, a peanut butter and

jelly sandwich is a triple jelly sandwich is a triple whammy for aflatoxin. It whammy for aflatoxin. It dissolves in the jelly, so dissolves in the jelly, so scooping it off the top surface scooping it off the top surface of the jar will not do any of the jar will not do any good. good.

To prevent aflatoxin, only buy To prevent aflatoxin, only buy peanut butter and jelly in the peanut butter and jelly in the size jars you use up quickly, size jars you use up quickly, keep them refrigerated (the keep them refrigerated (the bread, too), and use a clean bread, too), and use a clean knife each time. Don’t leave knife each time. Don’t leave the lid off for long, because the lid off for long, because that’s when it gets in.that’s when it gets in.

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PATHOGENSPATHOGENS Another example of a toxic Another example of a toxic

fungus is one that forms purple fungus is one that forms purple structures called ergots on rye structures called ergots on rye grains. grains.

If diseased rye is accidentally If diseased rye is accidentally mixed into flour and eaten, mixed into flour and eaten, poisons from the ergots can cause poisons from the ergots can cause ergotism, a condition ergotism, a condition characterized by gangrene, characterized by gangrene, nervous spasms, burning nervous spasms, burning sensations, hallucinations, and sensations, hallucinations, and temporary insanity. temporary insanity.

An epidemic of ergot poisoning in An epidemic of ergot poisoning in 944 AD killed more than 40,000 944 AD killed more than 40,000 people in France. people in France.

One of the compounds from One of the compounds from ergots is a hallucinogen found in ergots is a hallucinogen found in LSD.LSD.

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PATHOGENSPATHOGENS

Animals are much less susceptible to Animals are much less susceptible to parasitic fungi than plants.parasitic fungi than plants.

Only about 50 species of fungi are known to Only about 50 species of fungi are known to parasitize humans and other animals, but these parasitize humans and other animals, but these relatively few species do considerable damage.relatively few species do considerable damage.

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Mycosis: RingwormMycosis: Ringworm The general term for a fungal The general term for a fungal

infection is infection is mycosismycosis.. Mycosis of the skinMycosis of the skin includes the includes the

disease called ringworm, named disease called ringworm, named because it appears as circular red because it appears as circular red areas on the skin. areas on the skin.

Ringworm (not a worm, but a Ringworm (not a worm, but a fungus) can appear on almost fungus) can appear on almost any skin surface,any skin surface, including the including the hair of the head, beard, pubic hair, hair of the head, beard, pubic hair, and bare skin. and bare skin.

It forms tiny watery blisters It forms tiny watery blisters which are extremely itchy; when which are extremely itchy; when the blisters are scratched open, the the blisters are scratched open, the fungus is released and spreads to fungus is released and spreads to a new area. a new area.

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Mycosis: Athlete’s FootMycosis: Athlete’s Foot

Fungal infections of the Fungal infections of the feet are called athlete’s feet are called athlete’s foot. foot.

You get it by just You get it by just walking barefoot, walking barefoot, exposing the skin to the exposing the skin to the air where spores are.air where spores are.

Although healthy skin is Although healthy skin is resistant to these spores, resistant to these spores, if there is a slight scratch if there is a slight scratch in the skin, the fungi can in the skin, the fungi can get in. get in.

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Mycosis: NailsMycosis: Nails

Fungus can also infect Fungus can also infect the nails, causing them the nails, causing them to become thick, to become thick, crumbly, and yellow. crumbly, and yellow.

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Mycosis: TreatmentMycosis: Treatment

Fungal infections of the Fungal infections of the skin are relatively easy skin are relatively easy to treat with anti-fungal to treat with anti-fungal creams, but nail fungus creams, but nail fungus is extremely difficult to is extremely difficult to cure, and may require cure, and may require harsh oral medicines harsh oral medicines that can be toxic to the that can be toxic to the liver. liver.

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Systemic MycosisSystemic Mycosis

Mycosis within the bodyMycosis within the body (systemic mycosis) spreads (systemic mycosis) spreads throughout the body and is extremely serious. They throughout the body and is extremely serious. They are typically caused by fungal spores that are inhaled.are typically caused by fungal spores that are inhaled.

HistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis is a disease from a fungus that is is a disease from a fungus that is found in soil that is rich in nitrogen, especially caves found in soil that is rich in nitrogen, especially caves with bat droppings (guano). Such caves are moist, with bat droppings (guano). Such caves are moist, rich in nitrogen, and have dead organic material there, rich in nitrogen, and have dead organic material there, which are ideal conditions for molds.which are ideal conditions for molds.

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Spelunkers are Spelunkers are people who explore people who explore caves, usually on caves, usually on their hands and their hands and knees. knees.

Their nose is close to Their nose is close to the floor, so they the floor, so they inhale the spores.inhale the spores.

Hunting dogs get it Hunting dogs get it the same way. the same way.

When you hear the When you hear the word “cave”, think word “cave”, think of Histoplasmosis.of Histoplasmosis.

HistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis

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San Joaquin Valley FeverSan Joaquin Valley Fever A respiratory disease with symptoms similar to A respiratory disease with symptoms similar to

tuberculosis. tuberculosis. This organism differs from histoplasmosis in that it This organism differs from histoplasmosis in that it

requires long periods of dry (arid) weather, and then a requires long periods of dry (arid) weather, and then a heavy rain. heavy rain.

That makes it endemic to west Texas, Mexico, Baha, That makes it endemic to west Texas, Mexico, Baha, South America, southern California, Arizona, and South America, southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico. New Mexico.

The blood of everyone who lives in the San Joaquin The blood of everyone who lives in the San Joaquin Valley tests positive for the organism, but they don’t Valley tests positive for the organism, but they don’t usually get the disease. usually get the disease.

That’s because you need to be exposed to a large That’s because you need to be exposed to a large amount to get sick; therefore farmers are at risk. amount to get sick; therefore farmers are at risk.

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San Joaquin Valley FeverSan Joaquin Valley Fever

Caesar Chavez fought for Caesar Chavez fought for the rights of immigrant farm the rights of immigrant farm workers, who were given workers, who were given short tools to weed the short tools to weed the farms, so their noses were farms, so their noses were close to the ground to inhale close to the ground to inhale the spores. the spores.

They also were not paid They also were not paid well and had poor nutrition, well and had poor nutrition, so they would get the so they would get the disease. disease.

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San Joaquin Valley FeverSan Joaquin Valley Fever

Once the spores get into the lungs, the person Once the spores get into the lungs, the person has flu-like symptoms, and then it can has flu-like symptoms, and then it can disseminate into the bones, skin, and brain. disseminate into the bones, skin, and brain.

It is a recurring disease with treatment but no It is a recurring disease with treatment but no cure. cure.

In large amounts, it is so deadly that it is now In large amounts, it is so deadly that it is now considered a potential biological weapon.considered a potential biological weapon.

Video: Fungus in the Lungs 2 mins 2 mins

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Opportunistic MycosisOpportunistic Mycosis Only causes disease in Only causes disease in

people with a weakened people with a weakened immune system. immune system.

An example is a type of An example is a type of fungus that can cause fungus that can cause pneumonia; it lives in soil pneumonia; it lives in soil rich in nitrogen, especially rich in nitrogen, especially bird droppings.bird droppings.

It is common in urban areas It is common in urban areas (cities) because of the (cities) because of the pigeons. Not as common in pigeons. Not as common in rural (country) areas. rural (country) areas.

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CandidaCandida Another opportunistic mycosis is a species of Another opportunistic mycosis is a species of

yeast called Candida. yeast called Candida. It is a type of fungus that is normally found in It is a type of fungus that is normally found in

the moist areas of the skin such as the mouth the moist areas of the skin such as the mouth and vagina. and vagina.

It does not cause disease unless it invades It does not cause disease unless it invades through a break in the skin or excess nutrients through a break in the skin or excess nutrients become available, allowing it to grow in become available, allowing it to grow in greater numbers than normal. greater numbers than normal.

This is called a yeast infection. This is called a yeast infection.

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Opportunistic MycosisOpportunistic Mycosis Antibacterial and antibiotic medicines do not kill Antibacterial and antibiotic medicines do not kill

fungi; an antifungal agent is needed. fungi; an antifungal agent is needed. If a female takes oral antibiotics for a bacterial If a female takes oral antibiotics for a bacterial

infection elsewhere in the body, the normal bacteria infection elsewhere in the body, the normal bacteria in the vagina can be killed off as well, although in the vagina can be killed off as well, although antibiotics usually do not kill yeasts or other fungi. antibiotics usually do not kill yeasts or other fungi.

With the elimination of bacteria that compete for With the elimination of bacteria that compete for nutrients, the yeasts to have extra food and grow to nutrients, the yeasts to have extra food and grow to excess, causing itchiness and a vaginal discharge.excess, causing itchiness and a vaginal discharge.

Vaginal yeast infections are the result of an Vaginal yeast infections are the result of an overgrowth of a fungus.overgrowth of a fungus.

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Opportunistic MycosisOpportunistic Mycosis

Newborn infants do not Newborn infants do not have a strong immune have a strong immune system; as they pass system; as they pass through the vaginal through the vaginal canal during birth, their canal during birth, their mouth can pick up an mouth can pick up an excess number of excess number of CandidaCandida organisms organisms which causes an which causes an overgrowth in the overgrowth in the mouth, a disease called mouth, a disease called candidiasis or “thrush”.candidiasis or “thrush”.

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Opportunistic MycosisOpportunistic Mycosis AIDS patients also have a AIDS patients also have a

weakened immune system, weakened immune system, and are susceptible to and are susceptible to candidiasis; so are the candidiasis; so are the elderly and people with elderly and people with diabetes. diabetes.

Candidiasis can also occur Candidiasis can also occur in wet areas of the skin and in wet areas of the skin and is common among is common among dishwashers. dishwashers.

Candidiasis can be mistaken Candidiasis can be mistaken for “jock itch” or diaper for “jock itch” or diaper rash, which is a bacterial rash, which is a bacterial infection and requires a infection and requires a different type of medicine. different type of medicine.

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Black MoldBlack Mold

One particular species One particular species of fungus called “black of fungus called “black mold” has been the mold” has been the subject of many news subject of many news reports. reports.

Black mold thrives in Black mold thrives in damp buildings and has damp buildings and has been implicated as the been implicated as the cause of a wide variety cause of a wide variety of human diseases.of human diseases.

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PRACTICAL USES OF FUNGIPRACTICAL USES OF FUNGI

The dangers posed by fungi should not The dangers posed by fungi should not overshadow the immense benefits we derive overshadow the immense benefits we derive from this remarkable species. from this remarkable species.

We depend on their ecological services as We depend on their ecological services as decomposers and recyclers of organic matter.decomposers and recyclers of organic matter.

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Fungi have enormous ecological benefits and Fungi have enormous ecological benefits and practical usespractical uses

Fungi are essential decomposersFungi are essential decomposers And provide antibiotics and foodAnd provide antibiotics and food

Staphylococcusaureus Penicillium

Zone ofinhibitedgrowth

Figure 17.22A, B4747


Mushrooms are a Mushrooms are a popular food, but they popular food, but they are not the only fungi are not the only fungi we eat. we eat.

The distinctive flavors The distinctive flavors of certain kinds of of certain kinds of cheeses, including cheeses, including Roquefort and blue Roquefort and blue cheese come from the cheese come from the fungifungi used to ripen used to ripen them. them.

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The soft drink industry The soft drink industry uses a species of fungus uses a species of fungus to produce citric acid to produce citric acid for colas and soy sauce. for colas and soy sauce.

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PRACTICAL USES OF FUNGIPRACTICAL USES OF FUNGI Morels and truffles are Morels and truffles are

expensive mushrooms expensive mushrooms which are highly prized for which are highly prized for their complex flavors. their complex flavors.

They can cost several They can cost several hundred dollars per pound. hundred dollars per pound. Truffles are rare and Truffles are rare and delicious and sell for up to delicious and sell for up to $100 each! $100 each!

In the past, hunting dogs In the past, hunting dogs and pigs were used to sniff and pigs were used to sniff out where truffles were out where truffles were growing in the woods.growing in the woods. Truffles

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Humans have used yeast to Humans have used yeast to produce alcoholic beverages produce alcoholic beverages and raise bread for and raise bread for thousands of years. thousands of years.

The yeasts ferment sugars to The yeasts ferment sugars to alcohol and carbon dioxide, alcohol and carbon dioxide, and so can be used to make and so can be used to make alcohol from grapes or used alcohol from grapes or used in bread to make it rise. in bread to make it rise.

It is also used to make beer.It is also used to make beer.

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Many fungi have great medical value as well.Many fungi have great medical value as well. For example, a compound extracted from ergots is For example, a compound extracted from ergots is

used to reduce high blood pressure and to stop excess used to reduce high blood pressure and to stop excess bleeding after childbirth. bleeding after childbirth.

Some fungi produce antibiotics that are essential in Some fungi produce antibiotics that are essential in treating bacterial infections. treating bacterial infections.

In fact, In fact, the first antibiotic discovered was from a the first antibiotic discovered was from a fungusfungus that made penicillin, when a mold was found that made penicillin, when a mold was found growing on a Petri dish as an accidental contaminant.growing on a Petri dish as an accidental contaminant.

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Bread MoldBread Mold

SE

M 6

,50

0

Figure 17.17B, C5353


The same yeast used to make beer is also a The same yeast used to make beer is also a studied in biotechnology. studied in biotechnology.

Scientists are gaining insight into the genes Scientists are gaining insight into the genes involved in human diseases such as involved in human diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease by examining the genes in this yeast because by examining the genes in this yeast because its cells are easy to culture and its genes are its cells are easy to culture and its genes are easy to manipulate.easy to manipulate.

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Genetically modified Genetically modified fungi are being used in fungi are being used in medicine and in medicine and in industry. industry.

One of the medical One of the medical benefits of GM fungi is benefits of GM fungi is that they are used to that they are used to produce certain produce certain medicines such as medicines such as insulin. insulin.

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One of the benefits in One of the benefits in industry is to harness industry is to harness fungal metabolism to fungal metabolism to produce paper pulp produce paper pulp from rotted wood.from rotted wood.

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Documents

Fungi 1. Video: Fungi Discovery Channel video 2 mins Discovery Channel video 2 mins Discovery Channel video Discovery Channel video 2