fungal parasites, pathogens, and befical fungi: fungal diseases: unit 4, Chapter 24

Fungal plant parasites and pathogens

Organisms that harm crops and food-producing plants.

Plant diseases

Conditions caused by fungal infections that affect the health and growth of plants.

Powdery mildew, brown rot, root rot, stem rot, blight, canker

Different types of fungal diseases that can affect plants.

Decay of stored crops

The process of crops deteriorating due to fungal infections during storage.

Smuts and rusts

Types of fungal infections that can affect crops and cause damage.

Secondary effects of fungal infections - mycotoxicoses

Harmful effects on humans and animals caused by fungal toxins.

Ergot

A fungal infection that affects cereal crops and can produce toxic compounds.

Aflatoxin

A toxic compound produced by certain fungi that can contaminate food and cause health issues.

Ways fungi harm humans

Various ways in which fungi can cause harm to human health.

Mycosis

A disease resulting from the invasion of fungal organisms into human tissue.

Mycotoxicosis

Poisoning of humans and/or animals caused by fungal toxins.

Allergic reactions

Immune responses triggered by exposure to fungi, leading to allergic symptoms.

Chytrid fungi and amphibian

Fungal infections that can harm amphibian populations.

Mycoses of humans

Fungal infections that affect humans.

A few extremely common skin mycoses

Common fungal infections that primarily affect the skin.

Candida yeast infections

Fungal infections caused by the Candida species, often affecting the mouth, throat, or genital area.

Vaginal yeast infections

Fungal infections that occur in the vaginal area, often caused by Candida species.

Thrush

A fungal infection that affects the mouth and throat.

Ringworm

A fungal infection that causes a ring-shaped rash on the skin.

General patterns

Common characteristics or trends observed in fungal infections.

Non many human/animal mycoses (compared to bacterial/viral infections)

Fungal infections are less common in humans and animals compared to bacterial and viral infections.

Unless you are immunocompromised!

Fungal infections are more likely to occur in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Skin and lungs most common locations

The skin and lungs are the most common sites of fungal infections in humans.

Difficult to treat - antifungal drugs toxic than antibacterial drugs

Fungal infections are challenging to treat because antifungal drugs can be more toxic compared to antibacterial drugs.

And there's not as many of them

Fungal infections are less prevalent compared to other types of infections.

Beneficial uses of fungi in human society

Positive roles of fungi in human society.

Food

Fungi play a role in food production and consumption.

Mushrooms provide vitamin D, potassium, antioxidants

Mushrooms are a source of essential nutrients and antioxidants.

Molds in cheese (blue cheese, brie, camembert)

Fungi are intentionally used in the production of certain types of cheese.

Fermentation - 1st biotechnology patenting (Pasteur - brewer's yeast)

Fungi are involved in the fermentation process, which was one of the first biotechnological practices patented by Louis Pasteur.

Medicine

Fungi have contributed to the development of medicines.

Antibiotics - penicillin, cephalosporin, etc.

Fungi have been a source of antibiotics such as penicillin and cephalosporin.

Hallucinogens - LSD, psilocybin

Certain fungi produce hallucinogenic compounds like LSD and psilocybin.

Immunosuppressant - cyclosporin

Cyclosporin, derived from fungi, is used as an immunosuppressant in medical treatments.

Cholesterol control - lovastatin

Lovastatin, derived from fungi, is used to control cholesterol levels.

Biological control

The use of fungi to control insect pests by applying fungal pathogens to them.