Cellular and Molecular Biology of Filamentous Fungi is an ideal starting point for any research study of filamentous fungi. It incorporates the latest findings from five disciplines: physiology, taxonomy, genomics, molecular biology, and cell biology. Its extensive use of illustrations and tables also makes it an excellent textbook for both graduate and undergraduate students, helping them easily grasp and apply new concepts. This comprehensive title begins with a historical perspective, cell morphology and taxonomy, and then moves on to such topics as cell growth, development, metabolism, and pathogenesis.

The book covers model organisms in detail as well as a broad variety of dimorphic and “obligate” filamentous fungal species. You’ll learn how individual species have adapted themselves to highly diverse ecological niches. In addition, comparisons to studies of the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe help you better understand the nature of fungi and the underlying evolution that leads to diversity in this fascinating kingdom.

Key Features

• Serves as an ideal first point of reference for any investigation into filamentous fungi
• Describes a highly diverse range of plant and animal pathogens in one volume
• Integrates the latest findings from such fields as taxonomy, genomics, and cell biology
• Presents insights and perspectives from leading researchers and pioneers in the field of fungal biology
• Provides the latest understanding of saprophytes, pathogens, and endophytes

Cellular and Molecular Biology of Filamentous Fungi

Introduction to the Filamentous Fungi

History and Importance to Human Affairs
Hyphal Structure
A Top-Down Systems Biology Approach for the Identification of Targets for Fungal Strain and Process Development
Phylogenetics and Phylogenomics of the Fungal Tree of Life
Signal Transduction Pathways

Replication and Expression of the Genetic Code

Mitotic Cell Cycle Control
Meiosis
DNA Repair and Recombination
Chromatin Structure and Modification
Transposable Elements and Repeat-Induced Point Mutation
Meiotic trans-Sensing and Silencing in Neurospora
Mycoviruses

Organelles

Mitochondria and Respiration
Vacuoles in Filamentous Fungi
Peroxisomes in Filamentous Fungi

Hyphal Growth

The Cytoskeleton in Filamentous Fungi
The Cell Wall of Filamentous Fungi
Hyphal Growth and Polarity
Hyphal Fusion
Biology and Genetics of Vegetative Incompatibility in Fungi

Metabolism

Glucose
Gluconeogenesis
Nitrogen Metabolism in Filamentous Fungi
Amino Acids and Polyamines: Polyfunctional Proteins, Metabolic Cycles, and Compartmentation
Sulfur, Phosphorus, and Iron Metabolism
Secondary Metabolism
Plant Cell Wall and Chitin Degradation

Photobiology and Circadian Rhythms

Light Sensing
Circadian Rhythms

Nutrient, PH, and Stress Sensing

How Fungi Sense Sugars, Alcohols, and Amino Acids
Regulation of Gene Expression by Ambient pH
Heat Shock Response

Sexual Development

Mating Systems and Sexual Morphogenesis in Ascomycetes
Mating and Sexual Morphogenesis in Basidiomycete Fungi

Asexual Sporulation

Regulation of Aspergillus Conidiation
The Conidium

Interactions of Fungi with Plants or Other Fungi

Magnaporthe oryzae and Rice Blast Disease
Fusarium Genetics and Pathogenicity
Ustilago maydis and Maize: a Delightful Interaction
Necrotrophic Fungi: Live and Let Die
Epichloë Endophytes: Models of an Ecological Strategy
Mycoparasitism

Animal Pathogens

Aspergillus fumigatus
Cryptococcus neoformans: Budding Yeast and Dimorphic Filamentous Fungus
Histoplasma capsulatum
The Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans