5.3 Fungi

Importance to Ecosystems

Food webs would be incomplete without organisms that decompose organic matter and fungi are key participants in this process. Decomposition allows for cycling of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus back into the environment so they are available to living things, rather than being trapped in dead organisms. Fungi are particularly important because they have evolved enzymes to break down cellulose and lignin, components of plant cell walls that few other organisms are able to digest, releasing their carbon content.

Another crucial role fungi play in ecosystems is forming mycorrhizae, mutually beneficial associations with plant roots. Mycorrhiza, a term combining the Greek roots myco (fungus) and rhizo (root), refers to the symbiotic relationship between vascular plant roots and fungi. Somewhere between 80–90% of all plant species have mycorrhizal partners. In these associations, the fungal mycelia use their extensive network of hyphae and large surface area in contact with the soil to channel water and minerals into the plant. In return, the plant provides the fungus with sugars produced through photosynthesis to fuel its metabolism.

Food Production

Fungi have long been used in the production of food and beverages. Yeasts are single-celled fungi that play a key role in fermentation. They help make bread rise and are essential in brewing beer and fermenting wine.

We also eat many types of fungi. Some mushrooms, like morels, shiitake mushrooms, chanterelles, and truffles are even considered delicacies (Figure 5.3.10).

Medicine and Pharmaceuticals

Fungi have had a profound impact on modern medicine. The discovery of penicillin, the first widely used antibiotic, came from the fungus Penicillium notatum and revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. Since then, fungi have been used to develop a variety of other important drugs. Some fungal compounds are used to suppress the immune system in transplant patients, while others help manage chronic conditions such as high cholesterol. Ongoing research continues to explore fungi as sources of new antibiotics and even as anticancer agents.

Plant Pathogens

Fungi are responsible for many serious plant diseases that affect both wild and cultivated species. For example, Dutch elm disease is a particularly devastating fungal infection that destroys many native species of elm (Ulmus spp.). The fungus infects the vascular system of the tree. It was accidentally introduced to North America in the 1900s and decimated elm trees across the continent. Dutch elm disease is caused by the fungus Ophiostoma ulmi. The elm bark beetle acts as a vector and transmits the disease from tree to tree. Many European and Asiatic elms are less susceptible than American elms.

The production of enough good-quality crops is essential to our existence. Plant diseases have ruined crops, bringing widespread famine. Most plant pathogens are fungi that cause tissue decay and eventual death of the host (Figure 5.2.12). In addition to destroying plant tissue directly, some plant pathogens spoil crops by producing potent toxins. Fungi are also responsible for food spoilage and the rotting of stored crops. For example, the fungus Claviceps purpurea causes ergot, a disease of cereal crops (especially of rye). Although the fungus reduces the yield of cereals, the effects of the ergot’s alkaloid toxins on humans and animals are of much greater significance: In animals, the disease is referred to as ergotism. The most common signs and symptoms are convulsions, hallucination, gangrene, and loss of milk in cattle. The active ingredient of ergot is lysergic acid, which is a precursor of the drug LSD. Smuts, rusts, and powdery or downy mildew are other examples of common fungal pathogens that affect crops.

Animal pathogens

Fungi can affect animals, including humans, in several ways. Fungi attack animals directly by colonizing and destroying tissues. Humans and other animals can be poisoned by eating toxic mushrooms or foods contaminated by fungi. In addition, individuals who display hypersensitivity to molds and spores develop strong and dangerous allergic reactions. Fungal infections are generally very difficult to treat because, unlike bacteria, fungi are eukaryotes. Antibiotics only target prokaryotic cells, whereas compounds that kill fungi also adversely affect the eukaryotic animal host. 

Many fungal infections (mycoses) are superficial and termed cutaneous (meaning “skin”) mycoses. Two common examples are athlete’s foot and ringworm, both caused by fungi that feed on keratin (a protein found in hair, skin, and nails). These infections are easily spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces like locker room floors or shared towels. They are often uncomfortable but are usually easily

cleated with over-the-counter topical creams and powders. 

Fungi can also have devastating effects on wildlife. One striking example is white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease which affects hibernating bats. The fungus grows on the bats’ skin, particularly around the nose and wings, and disrupts their hibernation cycles. As a result, the bats wake more frequently, burn through their energy reserves, and often die of starvation. This disease has led to dramatic declines in bat populations across North America.