WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT… Mycology

What do you think of when you hear the word “fungus/fungi”? Perhaps mushrooms in the forest, the process of baking bread, brewing beer, or even the discovery of penicillin when it was first isolated from mold. Some may even think of “magic mushrooms”. While these are all valid associations, the kingdom of fungi is far more diverse than most people realize and they continue to surprise us with their complex biology and adaptability.

The importance of fungi is often neglected and overlooked, often times due to the lack of awareness, their negative perceptions, and biological complexity, yet they make significant impacts on our daily lives. This list highlights the key functions of fungi and underscores the importance of understanding the fundamentals of mycology:

1) What are Fungi?

Fungi are a kingdom of eukaryotic organisms distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria. They include a vast variety of species such as single celled yeasts, filamentous molds, and much more. Unlike autotrophic plants, fungi tend to be heterotrophic as they obtain their nutrients by breaking down organic matter or by forming symbiotic relationships with other organisms.

Key Characteristics of Fungi

• Eukaryotic.
• Cell walls are made of chitin.
• Heterotrophic.
• Opportunistic.
• Reproduce sexually/asexually through spores and asexually through hyphae.
• Can exist as microscopic yeasts (unicellular), filamentous fungi (ex. molds), and macroscopically as mushrooms (the fruiting body of the fungi).
• Some fungi be dimorphic (can alternate between being a yeast or filamentous) depending on environmental factors.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of fungi can vary depending on the type of fungi and the environment they’re in. For instance, the different species of Ophiocordyceps are highly specialized and therefore only parasitize specific types of insects (Ex. O. diptigenera only infects flies, O. unilateralis infects ants but shows preference for certain species within the tribe Camponotini). On the other hand, some fungi are more generalist and can grow on various substrates and hosts (Ex. aspergillus grows on wood, leaves, the human body, food, etc., B. bassiana grows on various insect hosts, soil, plants, as well in various types of organic matter). There are even some unique cases where two different hosts are required to complete the life cycle like Puccinia graminis! Its important to note that fungi can reproduce asexually and sexually depending on the environmental circumstances.

For practicality, we will be focusing on a generalized fungal life cycle:

Taxonomy

The taxonomy of fungi is complex and continually evolving due to advancements in molecular techniques and the ongoing reevaluation of existing data. While understanding fungal taxonomy is important for grasping the diversity and relationships within fungi, it’s essential to remember that this classification system is constantly evolving. Advances in molecular techniques and ongoing research lead to frequent updates and revisions. Therefore, instead of focusing too heavily on specific taxonomic categories, it’s more valuable to appreciate the broader concepts of fungal diversity and ecological roles. This approach allows us to adapt to new information and remain flexible in our understanding of fungal biology.

To begin, it is essential to understand the major fungal phyla, with a particular focus on Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. These two phyla are the largest and most diverse, and they are more frequently encountered in our daily lives compared to the other, albeit still significant, phyla.

2) What are the applications of Fungi in microbiology?

a) Fungi as Pioneers of Terrestrial Life

Fungi have been crucial in shaping the Earth’s ecosystems. They were among the first organisms to colonize land, transforming barren rock into fertile soil. This process, known as biological weathering, involves lichen (symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria) breaking down rocks and minerals, releasing essential nutrients that enable plant growth. Without fungi, the lush landscapes we see today would not exist. Lichens, such as Cladonia rangiferina, a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, are perfect examples of this transformative power. They thrive in extreme environments, from volcanic rocks in Hawaii to the frozen tundra, demonstrating fungi’s adaptability and resilience.

Figure 2: Lichen on rock, illustrating an example of biological weathering. Lichen contributes to the gradual breakdown of rocks over time, showcasing the long-term process of biological weathering. Source Link. 

b) Medical Contributions

Fungi have had a profound impact on medicine. The discovery of penicillin from the mold Penicillium notatum revolutionized healthcare, leading to the development of antibiotics that have saved countless lives. Beyond penicillin, fungi produce a wide range of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Cyclosporine, derived from the fungus Tolypocladium inflatum, is an immunosuppressant critical for organ transplant success. Research continues to uncover new antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer agents derived from fungi, highlighting their significance in drug discovery and development.

c) Agricultural and Industrial Applications

Fungi are indispensable in food production and biotechnology. Yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae are essential for baking, brewing, and winemaking, while molds like Penicillium roqueforti play a key role in cheese production and fermentation processes. On the flip side, fungal pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, which causes gray mold in fruits and vegetables, pose significant challenges in agriculture, causing diseases that affect crops and livestock. Understanding these pathogens is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect our food supply. Additionally, fungal enzymes from Aspergillus niger are harnessed in various industries, from producing biofuels to manufacturing pharmaceuticals and textiles.

d) Environmental and Biotechnological Applications

Fungi are powerful agents of bioremediation, capable of breaking down pollutants and restoring contaminated environments. Phanerochaete chrysosporium, a white-rot fungus, can degrade lignin and a wide range of environmental pollutants, making it invaluable in cleaning up oil spills, heavy metal contamination, and other environmental pollutants. Similarly, edible oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are being utilized to absorb and remove heavy metal pollutants from the environment. Innovative research is also exploring fungi’s potential in sustainable agriculture, bioenergy production, and even the development of biodegradable materials.

History Connection

Mycology Scavenger Hunt: virtual lab simulation

Activity: Examining Fungi Structures & Growth

1) Examining Mold Structures By Staining with Lactophenol Blue

2) Growing Fungi & Mold on your PDA Plate

Video Tutorial

Staining Fungi with Lactophenol Blue

Procedures

1) Examining Mold Structures By Staining with Lactophenol Blue

1. Find any household mold or fungi samples that you are interested in examining the fungal structures for. In the video tutorial, we used a sample of moldy ginger so feel free to use any moldy fruit, bread, or food samples you have around your house.
2. Use your lactophenol blue dropper to add a drop of lactophenol blue to the center of a glass slide.
3. Press the sticky side of the tape against your mold sample.
4. Transfer the tape to the slide so that your mold sample is pressed against the lactophenol blue drop and press down against the slide.
5. View your slide using your microscope and include result information in your ELN.

2) Growing Fungi & Mold on your PDA Plate

1. When ready to begin the mycology module, remove your PDA plate from the refrigerator and label with your initials, media type (PDA), date, and the location where you chose to leave the plate open.
2. After labeling, set your open PDA plate on a surface where it will not be disturbed and leave open for 3-4 hours.
3. Close the plate, wrap it in perifilm as shown in video tutorial, and let incubate at room temperature.
4. Record growth structures and fungal colonies every couple hours from 4-24 hours.
5. DO NOT OPEN PLATE AFTER THERE IS GROWTH, as mold and fungi spores can become airborne and cause illness. Discard without opening plate after recording results in ELN.

Results

Fungus Among Us In- Person Procedure:

Suggested Fungal Field Guide for Our Area: Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States

FungiJon: How to chemically ID Fungi!