fungal

Examples of fungal in the following topics:

• Antifungal Drugs

  • This specific antifungal drug class targets the fungal cell membrane.
  • Thus, the fungal membrane structure is depleted of ergosterol and the fungus dies.
  • Azole drugs are broad-spectrum drugs and treat fungal infections of the skin or mouth.
  • Echinocandins are characterized by their ability to inhibit synthesis of a key component of the fungal cell wall, while previously discussed drugs target the fungal cell membrane.
  • However, with the expansion of molecular studies in fungal organisms, the opportunity to identify novel and fungal specific mechanisms will allow for the development of new drugs .

• Fungi as Plant, Animal, and Human Pathogens

  • Smuts, rusts, and powdery or downy mildew are other examples of common fungal pathogens that affect crops.
  • A mycosis is a fungal disease that results from infection and direct damage.
  • Mycotoxicosis is the poisoning of humans (and other animals) by foods contaminated by fungal toxins (mycotoxins).
  • Fungal infections are generally very difficult to treat because, unlike bacteria, fungi are eukaryotes.
  • Many fungal infections are superficial; that is, they occur on the animal's skin.

• Fungal Skin and Nail Diseases

  • Common fungal skin diseases include athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
  • Common fungal skin and nail diseases include athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
  • Secondary bacterial infection can accompany the fungal infection, sometimes requiring a course of oral antibiotics.
  • Severe or prolonged fungal skin infections may require treatment with oral antifungal medication.
  • Describe how fungal skin and nail diseases arise, their characteristic symptoms and the treatment options available

• Endophytes and Plants

  • ., Lolium spp.) carry fungal endophytes (Neotyphodium spp.) which may improve the ability of these grasses to tolerate abiotic stresses such as drought, as well as improve their resistance to insect and mammalian herbivores.
  • Vertically transmitted fungal endophytes are asexual and transmit via fungal hyphae penetrating the host's seeds (e.g., Neotyphodium).
  • Conversely, horizontally transmitted fungal endophytes are sexual and transmit via spores that can be spread by wind and/or insect vectors.
  • The presence of fungal endophytes can cause higher rates of water loss in leaves.
  • However, certain fungal endophytes help plants survive drought and heat.

• Characteristics of Fungi

  • Being eukaryotes, a typical fungal cell contains a true nucleus and many membrane-bound organelles.
  • Some fungal organisms multiply only asexually, whereas others undergo both asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction with alternation of generations.
  • In humans, fungal infections are generally considered challenging to treat.
  • Fungal infections may prove deadly for individuals with compromised immune systems.
  • Many industrial compounds are byproducts of fungal fermentation.

• Fungi Cell Structure and Function

  • As eukaryotes, fungal cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus where the DNA is wrapped around histone proteins.
  • Fungal cells also contain mitochondria and a complex system of internal membranes, including the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus.
  • Unlike plant cells, fungal cells do not have chloroplasts or chlorophyll.
  • The rigid layers of fungal cell walls contain complex polysaccharides called chitin and glucans.
  • Most fungal hyphae are divided into separate cells by endwalls called septa (singular, septum) ( a, c).

• Fungi Reproduction

  • Fungal spores are smaller and lighter than plant seeds.
  • Mycelial fragmentation occurs when a fungal mycelium separates into pieces with each component growing into a separate mycelium.
  • Although there are many variations in fungal sexual reproduction, all include the following three stages .

• Blastomycosis

  • Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis.
  • Blastomycosis (also known as "North American blastomycosis," "Blastomycetic dermatitis," and "Gilchrist's disease") is a fungal infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis .

• Plant Pathogens

  • Fungal diseases may be controlled through the use of fungicides and other agriculture practices, however new races of fungi often evolve that are resistant to various fungicides. · Biotrophic fungal pathogens colonize living plant tissue and obtain nutrients from living host cells.
  • Necrotrophic fungal pathogens infect and kill host tissue and extract nutrients from the dead host cells.

• Coccidiomycosis

  • Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii.
  • Coccidioidomycosis (commonly known as "Valley fever", as well as "California fever", "Desert rheumatism", and "San Joaquin Valley fever") is a fungal disease caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii .
  • The fungal infection can be demonstrated by microscopic detection of diagnostic cells in body fluids, exudates, sputum and biopsy-tissue.
  • An indirect demonstration of fungal infection can be achieved also by serologic analysis detecting fungal antigen or host antibody produced against the fungus.