Filamentous fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that influence our everyday lives in such diverse areas as industry, medicine, agriculture, and basic science. The industrial production of valuable molecules and materials by genetically engineered fungi has tremendous potential. Fungi are becoming recognized as important human pathogens under conditions of diminished immune system responses. Filamentous fungi are responsible for billions of dollars in crop losses annually from disease and post-harvest food spoilage.
Increasing recognition of the importance of filamentous fungi has led to more intensive research toward increasing the benefits and mitigating the damages attributable to these fungi. Recently developed techniques in molecular biology provide ways of addressing many scientific problems that were previously unapproachable. The relative simplicity of fungal organisms makes them ideal tools for investigating basic biochemical and genetic questions. Click here for more information and resources.
