Introduction to Fungi
We all have seen the growth of fungi on some of the food items when they left outside. This growth of fungi ruins the food and it becomes unsuitable for consumption. But did you know that the growth of fungi is very important for the occurrence of some processes? Have you heard that fungi play an important role in the medical and agriculture industries? You all got shocked with this fact but fungi have many economic importance in our daily life.
In this article, we are going to see the economic importance of fungi and how fungi play an essential role in medicine, agriculture and other industries.
What is Fungi?
Fungi is defined as one of the five kingdom classification of living organisms. It includes microorganisms such as yeast and moulds. They are cosmopolitan and occur in air, water, soil and on animals and plants. Some fungi cause diseases in plants and animals whereas some are used for different economic purposes.
Examples of Fungi
The most common examples of fungi which are used for different beneficial purposes include yeast which is used to make bread and beer, penicillium which is used in antibiotics and mushroom which is consumed as a food item. Some fungi which cause diseases in plants and animals include puccinia which causes wheat rust.
Importance of Fungi
Fungi is one of the important kingdoms of microorganisms because of the following benefits of it.
It is used in medical industries for the production of different medicines.
It is used in the agricultural industry for the enhancement of crop quality and production.
It plays an important role in the release of different gases in the atmosphere.
It is also essential for different household purposes.
It also plays an economically important role in recycling processes.
It is used for the production of different food items.
Role of Fungi in Medicine
Fungi plays an essential role in the production of medicines and is very helpful to cure various health issues. Some of the commonly used fungi include:
The antibiotic penicillin is produced from the fungi penicillium.
Micafungin is used as an antifungal agent.
Mycophenolate is a fungi which is used to prevent tissue rejection.
Rosuvastatin is a fungi which has found uses in reducing cholesterol.
Aspergillus niger is used for the synthesis of different steroids.
Role of Fungi in Agriculture
Fungi also find uses in various agricultural activities and plays an important role in the following:
Fungi has the ability to decompose the organic matter in the soil which leads to the increase in its nutritional quality.
They decrease the amount of nitrogen in the soil by converting it to protein for plants.
Fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plants known as mycorrhizae through which plants obtain phosphorus and other essential minerals.
Fungi produce various bioactive metabolites which help in the improvement of plant growth.
Some important fungi in the agriculture industry are Fusarium, Chaetomium, Chytridium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus.
Importance of Fungi in Agriculture
Fungi are important for agriculture and they are responsible for
Decomposition of organic matter in soil.
Release of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus in the soil.
Production of different enzymes in soil.
Enhancement of plant growth.
Prevent plants from different pathogens.
Economic Importance of Fungi
Other than medicinal and agricultural benefits, fungi also have some economic benefits. Some of the important economic benefits of fungi are given below.
There are some edible fungi such as mushrooms which provide different essential nutrients like vitamins, amino acids and lipids.
The most common fungi yeast is used in the production of bread and beer.
A free living fungi named trichoderma sps. are present in the root ecosystem to act against plant pathogens.
Some species of fungi penicillium is used to produce roquefort and camembert cheese.
Fungi are also used in the commercial production of different enzymes and organic acids.
Economically Important Fungal Organisms
Some common economically important fungi are
Yeast
Penicillium
Mushroom
Moulds
Rusts
Truffles
Boletes
Smuts
Puffballs
Interesting Facts
Fungi is a kingdom but they resemble more animals than plants
Fungi have the capability to break down plastic waste.
Important Questions
1. What are the common important applications of fungi?
Ans: The common important applications of fungi are-
Eaten as a food
Used in medicines
Used for edible items
2. Which is the most common fungus used for the production of antibiotics?
Ans: The antibiotic penicillin is produced from the fungi penicillium
3. Name some economically important fungi.
Ans: Some of the economically important fungi are-
Yeast
Penicillium
Mushroom
Moulds
Rusts
Key Features
Fungi is a kingdom of microorganisms which includes yeast and moulds.
They find various applications in medical industries such as penicillin is made from a fungi penicillium.
It is also used in agricultural industries for the enhancement of crop quality and nutrients in the soil.
Some specific fungi also help in the improvement of plant growth.
The most common economical uses of fungi include production of bread, beer, cheese, enzymes and organic acids, and in food such as mushroom.
Some of the common examples of fungi include yeast, penicillium and mushroom.
FAQs on Economic Importance of Fungi
1. What is the overall economic importance of fungi?
The economic importance of fungi stems from their diverse roles across various industries and ecosystems. They are vital in medicine for producing antibiotics and other drugs, in agriculture for enhancing soil fertility and controlling pests, and in the food industry for processes like fermentation (bread, beer) and producing edible items like mushrooms and cheese. Additionally, their role as primary decomposers is crucial for nutrient recycling in the environment.
2. What are some key examples of fungi used in the medical field?
Several fungi are indispensable in medicine. Key examples include:
- Penicillium chrysogenum: The source of the first major antibiotic, penicillin.
- Tolypocladium inflatum: Produces cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant drug essential for organ transplant patients to prevent tissue rejection.
- Aspergillus terreus: Used to produce statins (e.g., lovastatin) which help in lowering cholesterol levels.
- Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae): Genetically engineered to produce vaccines, such as the Hepatitis B vaccine.
3. How do fungi contribute to the food and beverage industry?
Fungi are central to many food and beverage production processes. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is fundamental for baking bread (leavening) and brewing alcoholic beverages like beer and wine through fermentation. Certain species of moulds, such as Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium camemberti, are used to ripen and flavour cheeses. Furthermore, many types of mushrooms (e.g., Agaricus bisporus) are cultivated commercially as a nutritious food source.
4. In what ways are fungi important for agriculture?
Fungi play several critical roles in agriculture that enhance crop productivity and soil health:
- Decomposition: They break down complex organic matter, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil.
- Mycorrhizae: Fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, helping plants absorb vital minerals like phosphorus and water more efficiently.
- Biocontrol Agents: Some fungi, like Trichoderma, act as natural pesticides by protecting plants from pathogenic fungi and pests.
- Biofertilizers: By improving nutrient availability, they act as natural fertilizers, reducing the need for chemical inputs.
5. Besides their benefits, can fungi also have negative economic impacts?
Yes, fungi can also have significant negative economic impacts. As plant pathogens, fungi like rusts and smuts cause devastating diseases in major crops such as wheat, corn, and rice, leading to massive agricultural losses worldwide. They are also responsible for the spoilage of stored food products, timber, and textiles, causing further economic damage. Some fungi can cause diseases (mycoses) in humans and livestock, resulting in healthcare and veterinary costs.
6. Why are fungi considered crucial decomposers, and how does this create economic value?
Fungi are crucial decomposers because they are one of the few organisms that can break down tough organic materials like cellulose and lignin, which are major components of plant matter. This decomposition process, known as saprophytism, is vital for recycling nutrients. The economic value comes from this nutrient cycling, which naturally fertilises soil for agriculture and forestry, reducing the need for costly chemical fertilizers and supporting sustainable ecosystems.
7. How does the symbiotic relationship of mycorrhizae specifically demonstrate the economic importance of fungi?
The mycorrhizal relationship is a perfect example of economic importance through symbiosis. The fungus extends its network of hyphae far into the soil, acting as an extension of the plant's root system. It absorbs and transfers essential, often immobile, nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen to the plant. In return, the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates. This direct partnership leads to healthier, more robust plants and higher crop yields, providing a direct economic benefit to farmers by improving productivity and reducing fertiliser costs.
8. As per the Class 11 Biology syllabus, what are the main categories of economically useful fungi?
In the context of the Class 11 syllabus, economically useful fungi can be found across different classes:
- Ascomycetes (Sac Fungi): This class includes yeasts (Saccharomyces) used in baking/brewing and moulds like Penicillium (for antibiotics/cheese) and Aspergillus (for producing citric acid).
- Basidiomycetes (Club Fungi): This group includes most edible mushrooms, which are commercially cultivated for food. However, it also includes harmful rusts and smuts.
- Deuteromycetes (Imperfect Fungi): This group contains species like Trichoderma, which is widely used as a biocontrol agent in agriculture.
