The Fungi

The fungi are one of the great groups of living organisms, comparable in numbers of species, diversity and ecological significance with animals, plants, protists and bacteria. This textbook deals with all fundamental and applied aspects of mycology, illustrated by reference to well studied species from major fungal groups. Since the publication of the first edition of The Fungi, there have been many important advances in the field of mycology. This second up-to-date edition has been revised and substantially expanded, and incorporates the application of methods of molecular biology, especially DNA technology to mycology.

Question and answer section at the end of each chapterModern classification based on Molecular phylogenyDetail of the recent increased understanding of the organelles and processes involved in hyphal growthNew molecular understanding of mating type genesThe latest on molecular recognition in the infection processThe use of DNA technology in engineering plant resistance to fungal diseasesNew section on medical mycologyFungal mycology in animalsThe latest on the use of genetically manipulated fungi to produce products earlier obtained from mammals

Foreword, Tom Volk
The fungi as a major group of organisms
Fungal Diversity
Fungal cells and vegetative growth
Spores, dormancy and dispersal
Genetic variation and evolution
Saprotrophs and ecosystems
Parasites and mutualistic and symbionts.
Fungi and biotechnology
Appendix 1: Glossary of common mycological terms
Appendix 2: Classification of fungi