An Introduction To Fungi 4th Ed

The book deals with fungi, deftly defined as “the organisms studied by mycologists”. The fungi are now placed under three kingdoms: Fungi, Protozoa and Chromista/Straminopila due to their phylogenetic heterogeneity. In the last decade, world wide research projects: the “Deep Hypha” and AFTOL (Assembling the Fungal Tree of Life), have provided a phylogenetic classification based on genetic relatedness as evidenced by DNA sequencing data. The ‘Eumycotan fungi’, the ‘Protozoan fungi’ and the ‘Chromistan fungi’ represent distinct monophyletic groups. i.e. each group has a common ancestor and all are its descendants. The classification offered by above mega research projects and accepted by Dictionary of Fungi (2008) and leading international journals, forms the basis of this book. There are many surprises: Fungi and Animalia together form a monophyletic group. But there is no common name for them, and are called as “sister groups”. The mycologists would discover emergence of a new world of ‘modern mycology’ gleaned from recent publications. The book starts with History of Mycology remembering Louis Pasteur’s famous quote “History of science is science itself”. There are 31 chapters describing the form and function of fungi. Their symbiotic associations, chemical activities, secondary metabolites, mycotoxins, heterothallism, parasexuality and sex hormones are described under exclusive chapters. Each chapter is followed by a ‘summary’, and ‘test questions’. The book will be indispensable for students of botany, microbiology, plant pathology and medical mycology.

Market_Desc: · Mycologists· Biologists· Botanists· Junior/Senior level Students· Professors of Mycology Special Features: · The book presents a classification system that more accurately reflects current thoughts about relationships of fungi, based on results of both morphological and molecular studies.· It includes information on evolutionary relationships of the fungi as revealed by new molecular approaches. About The Book: This book is updated and revised to accurately reflect what is currently known about the biology of fungi. The primary thrust of the book is morphology-taxonomy, but also includes interesting and important activities of fungi. The new edition has added more fungal biology (physiology, genetics, ecology), and also provides more information on the evolutionary significance of fungi.

The book deals with fungi, deftly defined as " the organisms studied by mycologists". Fungi are now placed under three kingdoms: Fungi Protozoa and Chromista/Straminopila due to their phylogenetic heterogencity. In the last decade, world wide research projects: the "Deep Hypha" and AFTOL (Assembling the Fungal Tree of Life), have provided a phylogenetic classification based on genetic relatedness as evidenced by DNA sequencing data. The 'Eumycotan fungi', the 'Protozoan fungi' and the 'Chromistan fungi represent distinct monphyletic groups, i.e.each group has a common ancestor and all are its descendants.

Revised and updated in accordance with modern taxonomic proposals, this edition offers a well-documented, logical and clear explanation of the structure and classification of fungi along with an introduction to physiological, biochemical, genetic and ecological data. The taxonomic approach provides a framework with predictive value. Therefore, the discussions of the numerous activities of fungi that directly or indirectly impact other living things, including humans, are discussed in the context of their close relatives. Contains scores of illustrations, life cycle drawings, tables and new photographs.

This new edition of the universally acclaimed and widely-used textbook on fungal biology has been completely re-written, drawing directly on the authors' research and teaching experience. The text takes account of the rapid and exciting progress that has been made in the taxonomy, cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, pathology and ecology of the fungi. Features of taxonomic relevance are integrated with natural functions, including their relevance to human affairs. Special emphasis is placed on the biology and control of human and plant pathogens, providing a vital link between fundamental and applied mycology. The book is richly illustrated throughout with specially prepared drawings and photographs, based on living material. Illustrated life-cycles are provided, and technical terms are clearly explained. Extensive reference is made to recent literature and developments, and the emphasis throughout is on whole-organism biology from an integrated, multidisciplinary perspective.

Visit the accompanying website from the author atwww.blackwellpublishing.com/deacon. Fungal Biology is the fully updated new edition of thisundergraduate text, covering all major areas of fungal biology andproviding insights into many topical areas. Provides insights into many topical areas such as fungalultrastructure and the mechanisms of fungal growth, importantfungal metabolites and the molecular techniques used to studyfungal populations. Focuses on the interactions of fungi that form the basis fordeveloping biological control agents, with several commercialexamples of the control of insect pests and plant diseases. Emphasises the functional biology of fungi, with examples fromrecent research. Includes a clear illustrative account of the features andsignificance of the main fungal groups.