Reproduction In Fungi

The main theme of this book is how reproduction in fungi is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. The genetics of fungi is at a crossroads - the methods of classical genetics are giving way to those of recombinant DNA technology. Reproduction in Fungi takes stock of what has been learned to date and points the way to future research.

This new edition of The Fungi provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of fungi in the natural world and in practical applications, from a microbiological perspective.

Originally published in 1957, this book provides a concise discussion regarding the reproductive processes of fungi.

SINCE THE EARLY DAYS OF MICROBIOLOGY IT HAS BEEN KNOWN THAT, during their life cycles, microorganisms exhibit developmental changes in common with other organisms. In the last decade interest in this aspect of microbiology has developed greatly, and research findings have provided an understanding of the genetic, molecular and biochemical bases of development. An important stimulus in this research has been the realis ation that microbial development, in its various forms, provides interest ing model systems that have relevance to a much wider understanding of the developmental processes in higher eukaryotes. Many undergraduate and other courses in microbiology reflect these developments. Up to now, the only source material for these courses has been symposia publications, or books of a more specialised nature and at an advanced level. The aim in writing this book, which is based on a series of undergraduate lectures given at the University of Nottingham, was to bring together the relevant aspects of the biology of microorganisms, in particular the bacteria and fungi. The algae and protozoa have been excluded, partly because of the limits of space and partly because they are very different from the bacteria and fungi in most aspects of their biology.

Concepts of Biology is designed for the single-semester introduction to biology course for non-science majors, which for many students is their only college-level science course. As such, this course represents an important opportunity for students to develop the necessary knowledge, tools, and skills to make informed decisions as they continue with their lives. Rather than being mired down with facts and vocabulary, the typical non-science major student needs information presented in a way that is easy to read and understand. Even more importantly, the content should be meaningful. Students do much better when they understand why biology is relevant to their everyday lives. For these reasons, Concepts of Biology is grounded on an evolutionary basis and includes exciting features that highlight careers in the biological sciences and everyday applications of the concepts at hand.We also strive to show the interconnectedness of topics within this extremely broad discipline. In order to meet the needs of today's instructors and students, we maintain the overall organization and coverage found in most syllabi for this course. A strength of Concepts of Biology is that instructors can customize the book, adapting it to the approach that works best in their classroom. Concepts of Biology also includes an innovative art program that incorporates critical thinking and clicker questions to help students understand--and apply--key concepts.

Approximately 99.9% of vertebrate species reproduce sexually. The exceptional 0.1% reproduce via asexual or clonal means, which vary wildly and are fascinating in their own right. In this book, John C. Avise describes the genetics, ecology, natural history, and evolution of the world's approximately 100 species of vertebrate animal that routinely display one form or another of clonal or quasi-clonal reproduction. By considering the many facets of sexual abstinence and clonal reproduction in vertebrate animals, Avise sheds new light on the biological meaning and ramifications of standard sexuality.

One of the largest and most diverse kingdoms in eukaryotes is fungi, which consists of approximately 2.2–3.8 million species. This book provides readers with an in-depth understanding of fungi diversity and the role of fungi in the ecosystem. Chapters address such topics as fungi reproduction and pathology, fungal mycotoxicity, fungi mating mechanisms, and much more.