Fungi Relationships and Interactions

Mycorrhizae are enormously important in

natural ecosystems and agriculture.

Ecosystems depend on fungi as

decomposers and symbionts: they decompose food, wood and even plastics.

St Anthonys

Ergot- affects cereal crops: causes gangrene, hallucinations and "________ fire.

Endophytes

________: fungi that live inside leaves or other plant parts.

Truffles:

underground ascocarps of mycelia that are mycorrhizal on tree roots.

Plants harbor

harmless symbiotic endophytes.

Endophytes make

toxins that deter herbivores and defend against pathogens.

Beneficial Effects of Fungi on Humans

Decomposition - nutrient and carbon recycling.

Biosynthetic factories. Can be used to produce drugs, antibiotics, alcohol, acids, food (e.g., fermented products, mushrooms).

Model organisms for biochemical and genetic studies.

Harmful Effects of Fungi on Humans

Destruction of food, lumber, paper, and cloth.

Animal and human diseases (mycosis), including allergies.

Toxins produced by poisonous mushrooms and within food (e.g., grain, cheese, etc.).

Plant diseases.