Beneficial fungi are a
group of fungi that have positive impacts on various aspects of human life and
the environment. Some examples of beneficial fungi include decomposers that
break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients, fungi used in biological
research and medicine, fungi used in the production of food and industrial
products, and fungi that form beneficial relationships with plants.
Harmful fungi, on the
other hand, are a group of fungi that have negative impacts on human health, agriculture,
and the environment. Examples of harmful fungi include fungi that cause plant
diseases, fungi that spoil food, fungi that cause allergies or respiratory
infections in humans, and fungi that produce toxic compounds that can cause
serious health problems or even death.
Beneficial Fungi
As decomposers, fungi
play a crucial role in natural cycles such as the nitrogen and phosphorous
cycles.
Fungi are widely used
in biological research, particularly in studies of inheritance, using yeasts
and Neurospora.
Certain fungi produce
antibiotics, including Penicillium notatum, which was first obtained by
Alexander Fleming in 1928.
Aspergillus is utilized
to produce citric acid and gallic acid, which serve as additives in the
manufacture of a wide range of products from ink to chewing gum. Certain
species of Aspergillus are used to ferment soya sauce and soya paste from soya
beans. Ergotamine is used to relieve migraine headaches, and griseofulvin is
used to inhibit fungal growth.
Natural dyes derived
from lichens are utilized in the textile industry.
Yeasts such as
Saccharomyces cerevisiae are used to produce ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide
from sugar via fermentation, which is used to make beverages and leaven bread.
Mushrooms such as
Agaricus sp, morels like Morcella esculenta, and truffles are among many fungi
used as food.
Mycorrhizae refer to
fungus roots, which live in the roots of higher plants such as Pinus. The
fungus receives food from the plant and aids the host in the intake of
minerals.
Cyclosporine, extracted
from fungi such as Tolypocladium inflatum, is a wonder drug used in the
transplantation of hearts and livers as it does not damage bone marrow cells
and helps prevent rejection after transplantation. It is also used to treat
malaria and skin TB.
Yeasts are a source of
vitamin B2 (Riboflavin).
Many fungi produce
plant hormones, such as Gibberellins, which cause plants to grow taller than
their normal heights.
Numerous commercially
important steroids are produced using fungi.
Harmful Fungi
Different fungi cause
spoilage and decay. Wood-rotting fungi can destroy living trees and various
types of structural timber, such as railroad ties, poles, and fence posts.
Fungi also cause fruit decay.
Various diseases in
humans, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot, are caused by fungi. Fungi can
also cause lung infections, such as histoplasmosis. Aspergillus fumigatus
causes aspergillosis, which can be fatal for individuals with a deficient
immune system, such as those with AIDS. Some strains of Aspergillus flavus
produce aflatoxin, a carcinogenic mycotoxin found in improperly stored grains
of peanuts, corn, etc. Milk, eggs, and meat may contain traces of aflatoxin.
Ergotism is caused by purple ergot rye, which can cause nervous spasms,
convulsions, psychotic delusions, and even gangrene.
Many fungi are
poisonous and not edible, such as the death angel Amanita and Jack-o-lantern
mushroom.
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| Death angel Amanita |
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| Jack-o-lantern mushroom |
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