Fungal Genetics In Plant Biomass Conversion

The volume is divided into four sections, the first of which, Genome Sequences and Beyond, illustrates the impact of genome-based information and techniques on research ranging from model organisms like yeast to less-studied basal fungal lineages. Furthermore, it highlights novel types of analysis made possible by multi-genome comparisons as well as the impact of genomics on culture collections and vice versa. The second section, Cell and Developmental Biology, addresses questions that are important for fungal biology, e.g. the development of fungal fruiting bodies, and biology in general, e.g. chromatin organization and circadian rhythms. The third section, Genomics for Biotechnology, covers the search for plant biomass-converting enzymes in fungal genomes and work with industrially important fungi. The fourth section, focusing on Pathogenicity, offers chapters on the genomic analysis of plant and animal/human pathogens. It illustrates how genomics at all levels, from genome to metabolome, is used to study mechanisms of the interactions of fungi with other organisms.

This book covers the applications of fungi used in biorefinery technology. As a great many different varieties of fungal species are available, the text focuses on the various applications of fungi for production of useful products including organic acids (lactic, citric, fumaric); hydrolytic enzymes (amylase, cellulases, xylanases, ligninases, lipases, pectinases, proteases); advanced biofuels (ethanol, single cell oils); polyols (xylitol); single cell protein (animal feed); secondary metabolites; and much more.

The chromosome theory as illustrated by the genetics of neurospora. Outline of the biology of fungi of genetic interest. The induction, isolation and characterization of mutants. Chromosome mapping-meiotic analysus. Genetic analysis based on mitosis. Polyploidy. The gene as a functional unit. The mechanism of genetic exchange and the fine structure of genes. The genetic control of metabolism. The genetic control of macromolecular structure. Systems of regulation of enzyme synthesis. The genetic control of sexual development. Extra-nuclear inheritance.

This volume addresses the similarities and also the differences in the genomes of soil saprophytes, symbionts, and plant pathogens by using examples of fungal species to illustrate particular principles. It analyzes how the specific interactions with the hosts and the influence of the environment may have shaped genome evolution. The relevance of fungal genetic research and biotechnological applications is shown for areas such as plant pathogenesis, biomass degradation, litter decomposition, nitrogen assimilation, antibiotic production, mycoparasitism, energy, ecology, and also for soil fungi turning to human pathogens. In addition to the model organisms Neurospora and Aspergillus, the following species are covered providing a view of pathogens and mutualists: Trichoderma, Fusarium oxysporum, Cochliobolus heterostrophus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus oryzae, Podospora anserina, and species belonging to Agaricomycetes, Archaeorhizomycetes and Magnaporthaceae. Ecology and potential applications have guided the choice of fungal genes to be studied and it will be fascinating to follow the trends of future sequencing projects.

Fungi play important roles across the range of current and future biofuel production processes. From crop/feedstock health to plant biomass saccharification, enzyme production to bioprocesses for producing ethanol, higher alcohols or future hydrocarbon biofuels, fungi are involved. Research and development are underway to understand the underlying biological processes and improve them to make bioenergy production efficient on an industrial scale. Genomics is the foundation of the systems biology approach that is being used to accelerate the research and development efforts across the spectrum of topic areas that impact biofuels production. In this review, we discuss past, current and future advances made possible by genomic analyses of the fungi that impact plant/feedstock health, degradation of lignocellulosic biomass and fermentation of sugars to ethanol, hydrocarbon biofuels and renewable chemicals.

The Biochemistry of Plants, Volume 14: Carbohydrates provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of plant biochemistry. This book deals with the function and structure of the plant cell wall by describing the physical and chemical properties of cell wall components. Organized into 11 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of hexose phosphate metabolism in nonphotosynthetic tissues. This text then examines the findings in fructan structures, conformations, and linkages, the enzymes involved in fructan synthesis and degradation, and their cellular regulation, location, and metabolic role in plants. Other chapters consider the methods employing enzymes to determine starch structure. This book discusses as well the different biosynthetic modes of plant cell walls. The final chapter deals with the various environmental factors that influence expression of the ?-amylase gene, suggesting how molecular biology may help in understanding carbohydrate biochemistry and the enzymes involved in carbohydrate synthesis and metabolism. This book is a valuable resource for plant biochemists.

A whole host of motivations are driving the development of the “renewables” industry— ranging from the desire to develop sustainable energy resources to the reduction of dangerous greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. All energy utilized on the earth is ultimately derived from the sun through photosynthesis—the only truly renewable commodity. As concerns regarding increasing energy prices, global warming and renewable resources continue to grow, so has scientific discovery into agricultural biomass conversion. Plant Biomass Conversion addresses both the development of plant biomass and conversion technology, in addition to issues surrounding biomass conversion, such as the affect on water resources and soil sustainability. This book also offers a brief overview of the current status of the industry and examples of production plants being used in current biomass conversion efforts.

The substrate production process for the white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus, is a role-model for valorising lignocellulose-rich waste streams. The resulting substrate serves as nutrient-sink for the cultivation of A. bisporus. The focus of this research was to understand the underlying temporal dynamics of converting plant to fungal biomass and, in more detail, the utilisation of lignin and humic substances by A. bisporus.

This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the major applications and potential of fungal biotechnology. The respective chapters report on the latest advances and opportunities in each topic area, proposing new and sustainable solutions to some of the major challenges faced by modern society. Aimed at researchers and biotechnologists in academia and industry, it represents essential reading for anyone interested in fungal biotechnology, as well as those working within the broader area of microbial biotechnology. Written in an accessible language, the book also offers a valuable reference resource for decision-makers in government and at non-governmental organizations who are involved in the development of cleaner technologies and the global bioeconomy. The 21st century is characterized by a number of critical challenges in terms of human health, developing a sustainable bioeconomy, facilitating agricultural production, and establishing practices that support a cleaner environment. While there are chemical solutions to some of these challenges, developing bio-based approaches is becoming increasingly important. Filamentous fungi, ‘the forgotten kingdom,’ are a group of unique organisms whose full potential has yet to be revealed. Some key properties, such as their exceptional capacity to secrete proteins into the external environment, have already been successfully harnessed for the production of industrial enzymes and cellulosic biofuels. Many further aspects discussed here –such as feeding the hungry with fungal protein, and the potential applications of the various small molecules produced by fungi –warrant further exploration. In turn, the book covers the use of fungal cell factories to produce foreign molecules, e.g. for therapeutics. Strategies including molecular approaches to strain improvement, and recent advances in high-throughput technologies, which are key to finding better products and producers, are also addressed. Lastly, the book discusses the advent of synthetic biology, which is destined to greatly expand the scope of fungal biotechnology. The chapter “Fungal Biotechnology in Space: Why and How?” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License at link.springer.com.