fungal population in feed?
455963
Plant diseases, especially fungal diseases, pose a serious challenge to our efforts to feed the world's rapidly increasing population. Manipulation of plant genes through both genetic engineering and traditional breeding provides an opportunity to improve disease resistance in important crops. In addition, the application of target-based drug design will lead to the production of novel chemical agents for controlling pathogens. However, a limited understanding of the mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis often hampers these efforts. The long-term objective of my research program is to elucidate the cellular and molecular basis of plant-fungal pathogen interactions. \n\nOne of our main experimental systems is rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe grisea. This system offers many advantages as a model for exploring (1) the function and evolution of fungal avirulence genes controlling host specificity and (2) the mechanism and nature of genetic changes leading to the evolution of new races. The frequent appearance of new races with the ability to attack previously resistant hosts suggests that the M. grisea population is very dynamic and that the host range might be plastic in at least some strains. We have been studying the mechanisms and nature of genetic variation underpinning the evolution of new races. The practical goal of this research is to increase our ability to predict the virulence potential of pathogen populations so that breeders and farmers can introduce an effective plan for blast disease control. We are approaching this question from two different directions: (1) detailed molecular analysis of genetic changes in spontaneous mutants that have gained virulence on new hosts and (2) comparing genetic/genomic differences between strains with different host ranges.\n\nAnother experimental system in my laboratory is based on Arabidopsis thaliana as the principal host and Fusarium oxysporum, a soil-borne fungal pathogen causing vascular wilt, as the primary pathogen. Although there is little doubt that the threat posed by soil-borne diseases is equally significant to that by foliar diseases, soil-borne fungal pathogens are grossly underrepresented among model systems. Consequently, available information about the nature and the mechanisms of host defense has been almost exclusively derived from studies based on foliar pathogens. Of course, certain defense responses are likely to be conserved regardless of the site of infection. However, considering the physical, physiological and environmental differences in different parts of the plant, it is highly likely that plants differentially regulate defense responses in the various organs. A few other fungi that infect A. thaliana are also being studied. The long-term goal of this collaborative project is to increase our understanding of how fungal pathogens interact with their hosts by studying both the host and pathogens with tools of molecular genetics, cytology, and genomics. Given the intimate interactions between the plant and its pathogens throughout the disease process, the importance of such a model system cannot be overemphasized. Our system will allow us to investigate both the unique and common features in the defense and pathogenic responses. \n\nIncreasing interstate and international commerce increases the likelihood of disease outbreak by a non-native pathogen brought in with imported products. The recent outbreaks of such diseases as plum pox, sudden oak death, Ralstonia wilt, and avian influenza clearly illustrate the significance of such threats to both crops and livestock in the US. After the September 11 attacks and the subsequent anthrax release, it also became apparent that threats from deliberate releases of pathogens should not be overlooked. Considering the importance of agriculture to the US/global economy and food security, concerted efforts should be committed to developing an effective risk management system to prevent major crop disease outbreak
947874
Although often inconspicuous, fungi occur in every environment on Earth and play very important roles in most ecosystems. Along with bacteria, fungi are the major decomposers in most terrestrial (and some aquatic) ecosystems, and therefore play a critical role in biogeochemical cycles and in many food webs.\n\nMany fungi are important as partners in symbiotic relationships with other organisms, as mutualists, parasites, or commensalists, as well as in symbiotic relationships that do not fall neatly into any of these categories. One of the most critically important of these relationships are various types of mycorrhiza, which is a kind of mutualistic relationship between fungi and plants, in which the plant's roots are closely associated with fungal hyphae and other structures. The plant donates to the fungus sugars and other carbohydrates that it manufactures from photosynthesis, while the fungus donates water and mineral nutrients that the hyphal network is able to find much more efficiently than the plant roots alone can, particularly phosphorus. The fungi also protect against diseases and pathogens and provide other benefits to the plant. Recently, plants have been found to use mycorrhizas to deliver carbohydrates and other nutrients to other plants in the same community and in some cases can make plant species that would normally exclude each other able to coexist in the same plant community. Such mycorrhizal communities are called "common mycorrhizal networks". Over 90% of the plant species on Earth are dependent on mycorrhizae of one type or another in order to survive, and it is hypothesized that the presence of terrestrial fungi may have been necessary in order for the first plants to colonize land.\n\n\n\nIn soil, microorganisms which reside in the rhizosphere (a zone that includes the root surface and the soil that adheres to the root after gentle shaking) help in the transformation of molecular dinitrogen gas as their source of nitrogen, converting it to nitrogenous compounds in a process known as nitrogen fixation. This serves to provide an easily absorbable form of nitrogen for many plants, which cannot fix nitrogen themselves. Many other bacteria are found as symbionts in humans and other organisms. For example, the presence of the gut flora in the large intestine can help prevent the growth of potentially harmful microbes.\n\nThe ability of bacteria to degrade a variety of organic compounds is remarkable. Highly specialized groups of microorganisms play important roles in the mineralization of specific classes of organic compounds. For example, the decomposition of cellulose, which is one of the most abundant constituents of plant tissues, is mainly brought about by aerobic bacteria that belong to the genus Cytophaga. This ability has also been utilized by humans in industry, waste processing, and bioremediation. Bacteria capable of digesting the hydrocarbons in petroleum are often used to clean up oil spills. Some beaches in Prince William Sound were fertilized in an attempt to facilitate the growth of such bacteria after the infamous 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. These efforts were effective on beaches that were not too thickly covered in oil.\n\nBacteria, often in combination with yeasts and molds, are used in the preparation of fermented foods such as cheese, pickles, soy sauce, sauerkraut, vinegar, wine, and yogurt. Using biotechnology techniques, bacteria can be bioengineered for the production of therapeutic drugs, such as insulin, or for the bioremediation of toxic wastes.\n\n"Friendly bacteria" is a term used to refer to those bacteria that offer some benefit to human hosts, such as Lactobacillus species, which convert milk protein to lactic acid in the gut. The presence of such bacterial colonies also inhibits the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria (usually through competitive exclusion). Other bacteria that are helpful inside the body are many strains of E. coli, which ar
485156
============================================================\nAspergillus niger is a fungus and one of the most common species of the genus Aspergillus. It causes black mold on certain types of fruit and vegetables, and is a common contaminant of food. It is one of the common molds known to produce aflatoxin.\n============================================================\n\n\nClinical Features \n\nIn immunosuppressed hosts: invasive pulmonary infection, usually with fever, cough, and chest pain. May disseminate to other organs, including brain, skin and bone. In immunocompetent hosts: localized pulmonary infection in persons with underlying lung disease. Also causes allergic sinusitis and allergic bronchopulmonary disease. \n\nEtiologic Agent\n\n Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus. Less commonly A. terreus, A. nidulans, A. niger. \n\n\nReservoir \n\nUbiquitous in the environment. Found in soil, decomposing plant matter, household dust, building materials, ornamental plants, items of food, and water. \n\nIncidence \n\nNot reportable. Population-based data available for San Francisco suggest a rate of 1-2 per 100,000 per year. \n\n \nSequelae \n\nIf severe granulocytopenia persists, mortality rate can be very high (up to 100% in patients with cerebral abscesses). Patient outcome depends on resolution of granulocytopenia and early institution of effective antifungal drug therapy. \n\n \nTransmission \n\nInhalation of airborne conidia (spores). Nosocomial infection may be associated with dust exposure during building renovation or construction. Occasional outbreaks of cutaneous infection traced to contaminated biomedical devices. \n\nRisk Groups \n\nPersons with severe, prolonged granulocytopenia (e.g., hematologic malignancy, hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients, and patients on high-dose corticosteroids). Rarely, persons with HIV infection. \nSurveillance No national surveillance exists. Active surveillance is being conducted among hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients in selected U.S. hospitals. \n\n \nChallenges \n\nIdentifying modifiable risk factors for disease in immunocompromised persons. Improving understanding of sources and routes of transmission from the environment. Developing sensitive and specific methods for earlier diagnosis.\n \nOpportunities \n\nDevelopment of rapid antigenemia and antigenuria tests and molecular probes may facilitate earlier clinical diagnosis. Availability of improved molecular typing methods may assist in epidemiologic studies.
199638
There are too many answers to list.  Some of the answers furnished by others are correct.  However, there are MANY, MANY more such as bacteria, viruses, fungi (depending on your definition of "animals").  Others include crab (and other crustacians like lobster, etc.), parasites, birds (like seagulls, crows, condor, and even eagles eat carion [dead flesh]).  People eat "dead stuff" too...but I'm assuming you meant "rotting" or decaying animal material.
490453
Candida albicans is a widespread organism with worldwide distribution. It is normally found in small amounts in the vagina , the mouth, the digestive tract, and on the skin without causing disease or symptoms (approximately 25% of women without disease symptoms have this organism present).\n\nSymptoms appear when the balance between the normal microorganisms of the vagina is lost, and the Candida albicans population becomes larger in relation to the other microorganism populations.\n\nThis happens when the environment (the vagina) has certain favorable conditions that allow growth and nourishment of Candida albicans . An environment that makes it difficult for the other microorganisms to survive may also cause an imbalance and lead to a yeast infection.\n\nYeast infection may follow a course of antibiotics (particularly tetracycline) that were prescribed for another purpose. The antibiotics change the normal balance between organisms in the vagina by suppressing the growth of protective bacteria that normally have an antifungal effect.\n\nInfection is common among women who use estrogen-containing birth control pills and among women who are pregnant. This is due to the increased level of estrogen in the body. The increased hormone level causes changes in the vaginal environment that make it perfect for fungal growth and nourishment.\n\nYeast infections may also occur in association with diabetes or problems that affect the immune system (such as AIDS or HIV).\n\nVaginal candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. However, 12% to 15% of men will develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.\n\nClose attention should be paid to episodes of vaginal candidiasis. Repeat infections that occur immediately following therapy, or a persistent yeast infection that does not respond to therapy, may be the first or, at least, an early sign that an individual is infected with HIV.\n\nBoth males and females with HIV infection who have developed AIDS may be subject to disseminated infection with candida, including oral candidiasis (in the mouth), esophageal candidiasis (in the esophagus), and cutaneous candidiasis (on the skin).\n\nHope this helps
929775
Fungus?  Not really a plant.
752876
the antibiotics secreted in soil are actually used to destroy bacteria so the fungi has a source of nucliec acids when the bacterial cell lysis dumping them into the substate of the fungus.\n\nanibiotics produced within the cell help protect the fungus against bacterial infection, just like your own immune system does for you.
752608
ok this is going to be hard as fungi can vary alot between diffrent spicies. \nI mean genrally you have hypthe. These are normally long storks which are inter conected with each other. On top of these are the spores called conida. There are 2 varities of conida mirocanida and macrocondia. Macrocondia is the bigger of the 2. Fugui can ether have one or both if these 2 types. Genrally the microcondia are small circular spores. As I havent seen the picture I cant really tell you any more, if you can find a link to the picture that would help alot and i should be abel to tell you more.
613676
If the relation is not intimate as in mycorrhiza as said by skeptic,there are certain fungi which thrive on exudates from roots at it's rhizosphere.So,due to this reason they are species specific.These biochemical secretions are needed for it's growth and germination of spores.
746411
A good majority of jelly fungi are edible, though not very tasty. That would give it a similar ecological importance as other edible plants, for instance blackberries. This fact makes it an important part of the food chain for many animals. It also adds nutrients into the soil when its life is over.\n\nHymenomycetes display the full range of ecological strategies that characterizes the Basidiomycota as a whole. To obtain carbon nutrition, Hymenomycetes decompose dead organic matter or enter into diverse associations (both antagonistic and benign) with plants, animals, and other fungi.
689509
Fungus makes antibiotics, which are secondary metabolites.
371919
Fungi live wherever there is a food source available. Ask yourself some questions: does the soil have abundant vegetation growing in it? is the soil in a moist environment? Most fungi feed on and decompose dead material and live in moist, humid environments. since soil is made of mostly dead plant material(with some dead animal material and some nonorganice material like sands and gravel) you will most likely have fungi living in the soil, decomposing and breaking down the nutrients from the dead plant material so living plants can use those nutrients.you can sometimes see  reproductive structures of fungus sticking out above the soil surface (like mushrooms and mold patches), but the body of the fungi (called hyphae) is usually found weaved into the soil below and throughout the surface. some fungi even benefit by living with plant roots, which is another place to find them. to be absolutely sure soil has fungus in it, you'd probably have to do some tests to detect chemical changes in the soil caused by fungi. hope that answers your question :)
796680
I'm sure you will get plenty of answers to fungal dispersion. My favorite is "shotgun" or "artillery" fungus (Sphaerobolus stellatus). It wrecked the paint on a porch of a friend of mine. You can actually hear the tiny explosions when this fungus lets loose!\n\n"The shotgun or artillery fungus (Sphaerobolus) may cause serious problems. While it decays the mulch, it also produces fruiting structures that resemble tiny cream or orange-brown cups that hold a spore mass resembling a tiny black egg (1/10 inch in diameter). This fungus shoots these spore masses high into the air. They stick to any surface and resemble small tar spots on leaves of plants or the siding of homes (Fig. 1). They are difficult to remove, leave stained surfaces, and may result in major damage."\n\n--- from http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/3000/3304.html\nwhich includes other nuisance fungi.\n\nHope this helps!
1149164
Yeast is a fungus. It's not a plant or animal.
99618
It is not just "vermin evidence" it is also actual vermin that have gotten curious or hungry and fallen into the grinding or cooking vats. It is all pre-cooked anyways.\n\nBon appetit
901979
I don't understand what you mean by feed.
569160
by what i have heard its found in dirt. it could be something due to hygiene. They found in the study that the people using the bauch and lombe (moisture lock)were acquiring the fungus so these were being removed from stores.