Molecular Biology Of Fungal Development

This text gives an overview of the fundamental aspects of molecular fungal development in one comprehensive volume, highlighting different elements in the maturational and reproductive cycles of selected fungal taxa.

An advanced undergraduate textbook for courses in biotechnology, fungal biology and fungal genetics.

An ideal starting point for any research study of filamentous fungi. • Incorporates the latest findings from such disciplines as physiology, taxonomy, genomics, molecular biology and cell biology. • Begins with an historical perspective, cell morphology and taxonomy, and moves on to such topics as cell growth, development, metabolism, and pathogenesis. • Presents the full range of the fungal kingdom and covers important topics as saprophytes, pathogens and endophytes. • Serves as a recommended text for graduate and undergraduate students.

The Fungi, Third Edition, offers a comprehensive and thoroughly integrated treatment of the biology of the fungi. This modern synthesis highlights the scientific foundations that continue to inform mycologists today, as well as recent breakthroughs and the formidable challenges in current research. The Fungi combines a wide scope with the depth of inquiry and clarity offered by three leading fungal biologists. The book describes the astonishing diversity of the fungi, their complex life cycles, and intriguing mechanisms of spore release. The distinctive cell biology of the fungi is linked to their development as well as their metabolism and physiology. One of the great advances in mycology in recent decades is the recognition of the vital importance of fungi in the natural environment. Plants are supported by mycorrhizal symbioses with fungi, are attacked by other fungi that cause plant diseases, and are the major decomposers of their dead tissues. Fungi also engage in supportive and harmful interactions with animals, including humans. They are major players in global nutrient cycles. This book is written for undergraduates and graduate students, and will also be useful for professional biologists interested in familiarizing themselves with specific topics in fungal biology. Describes the diversity of the fungi, their life cycles, and mechanisms of spore release Highlights the study of fungal genetics and draws upon a wealth of information derived from molecular biological research Explains the cellular and molecular interactions that underlie the key roles of fungi in plant diversity and productivity Elucidates the interactions of fungi with other microbes and animals Highlights fungi in a changing world Details the expanding uses of fungi in biotechnology

Account of the developmental biology of fungi.

Visit the accompanying website from the author at www.blackwellpublishing.com/deacon. Fungal Biology is the fully updated new edition of this undergraduate text, covering all major areas of fungal biology and providing insights into many topical areas. Provides insights into many topical areas such as fungal ultrastructure and the mechanisms of fungal growth, important fungal metabolites and the molecular techniques used to study fungal populations. Focuses on the interactions of fungi that form the basis for developing biological control agents, with several commercial examples of the control of insect pests and plant diseases. Emphasises the functional biology of fungi, with examples from recent research. Includes a clear illustrative account of the features and significance of the main fungal groups.

With the development of fungal transformation systems and the deciphering of an increasing number of fungal genomes, this diverse clade of heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms has proven to be ideal for molecular work and highly serviceable as model systems to study basic processes with results that are applicable to many organisms, including humans. In Molecular and Cell Biology Methods for Fungi, experts in the field provide an up-to-date set of practical protocols covering a range of frequently used methods used to study molecular and cellular aspects of fungal biology. The included classical protocols such as transformation systems and traditional protein analysis methods, which have been widely used for many years, alongside the most advanced techniques such as genome amplification, whole genome knockout methods, and sophisticated in vivo imaging techniques will prove to be easily adaptable and useful in a wide range of species. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Molecular and Cell Biology Methods for Fungi seeks to provide cutting-edge techniques in order to aid both experienced fungal research laboratories as well as those that are interested in using fungi as hosts to study their favorite genes.

What makes the fungal cell unique among eukaryotes and what features are shared? This volume addresses some of the most prominent and fascinating facets of questions as they pertain to the growth and development of both yeast and hyphal forms of fungi, beginning with subcellular components – then cell organization, polarity, growth, differentiation and beyond – to the cell biology of spores, biomechanics of invasive growth, plant pathogenesis, mycorrhizal symbiosis and colonial networks. Throughout, structural, molecular and ecological aspects are integrated to form a contemporary look at the biology of the fungal cell.