Fungi

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTIONMEDICINAL USE
MEDICINAL USE
A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms.These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria. One major difference is that fungal cells have cell walls that contain chitin, unlike the cellwalls of plants, which contain cellulose.

Certain mushrooms enjoy usage as therapeutics in folkmedicines, such as Traditional Chinese medicine. Notable medicinal mushrooms with a well-documented history of use include Agaricus subrufescens Ganoderma lucidum and Ophiocordyceps sinensis. Research hasidentified compounds produced by these and other fungi that have inhibitory biological effects against viruses and cancer cells. The shiitake mushroom is a source of lentinan, a clinical drug approvedfor use in cancer treatments in several countries, including Japan.
REPRODUCTION
REPRODUCTION

Fungal reproduction iscomplex, reflecting the differences in lifestyles and genetic makeup within this diverse kingdom of organisms. It is estimated that a third of all fungi reproduce using more than one method ofpropagation. Environmental conditions trigger genetically determined developmental states that lead to the creation of specialized structures for sexual or asexual reproduction.
Asexual reproductionAsexual reproduction via vegetative spores (conidia) or through mycelia fragmentation is common; it maintains clonal populations adapted to a specific niche, and allows more rapid dispersal than sexual...