Uniting-for the first time-current information on anaerobic fungi from a number of different disciplines, this unique reference examines the taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and ecology of anaerobic fungi-focusing on fungi from the rumen and other gut environments such as the cecum and hindgut of nonruminant herbivores. Anaerobic Fungi Presents new techniques for culturing anaerobic fungi! analyzes the isolation, culture, and survival of anaerobic fungi describes the nucleic acids of anaerobic fungi, gene cloning, and the establishment of molecular phylogeny discusses the fermentation of carbohydrates explains how anaerobic fungi interact with other microorganisms investigates the ultrastructure of plant cell walls degraded by fungi details the effects of diet on fungal populations delineates specific procedures for quantifying anaerobic fungi outlines potential directions for future research in molecular genetics and more!

Uniting-for the first time-current information on anaerobic fungi from a number of different disciplines, this unique reference examines the taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and ecology of anaerobic fungi-focusing on fungi from the rumen and other gut environments such as the cecum and hindgut of nonruminant herbivores. Anaerobic Fungi Presents new techniques for culturing anaerobic fungi! analyzes the isolation, culture, and survival of anaerobic fungi describes the nucleic acids of anaerobic fungi, gene cloning, and the establishment of molecular phylogeny discusses the fermentation of carbohydrates explains how anaerobic fungi interact with other microorganisms investigates the ultrastructure of plant cell walls degraded by fungi details the effects of diet on fungal populations delineates specific procedures for quantifying anaerobic fungi outlines potential directions for future research in molecular genetics and more!

The Preface to the first edition of this book explained the reasons for the publication of a comprehensive text on the rumen and rumen microbes in 1988. The microbes of the ruminant's forestomach and those in related organs in other animals and birds provide the means by which herbivorous animals can digest and obtain nutriment from vegetation. In turn, humans have relied, and still do rely, on herbivores for much of their food, clothing and motive power. Herbivores also form the food of carnivorous animals and birds in the wild. The importance of the rumen microorganisms is thus apparent. But, while a knowledge of rumen organisms is not strictly neces sary for the normal, practical feeding of farm animals, in recent years there has been much more emphasis on increasing the productivity of domesti cated animals and in rearing farm animals on unusual feedstuffs. Here, a knowledge of the reactions of the rumen flora, and the limits to these reactions, can be invaluable. In addition, anaerobic rumen-type microor ganisms are found in the intestines of omnivores, including humans, and can be implicated in diseases of humans and animals. They are also found in soils and natural waters, where they playa part in causing pollution and also in reducing it, while the same organisms confined in artificial systems are essential for the purification of sewage and other polluting and toxic wastes.

This book focuses on successful application of microbial biotechnology in areas such as medicine, agriculture, environment and human health.

Biodiversity of Fungi is essential for anyone collecting and/or monitoring any fungi. Fascinating and beautiful, fungi are vital components of nearly all ecosystems and impact human health and our economy in a myriad of ways. Standardized methods for documenting diversity and distribution have been lacking. A wealth of information, especially regrading sampling protocols, compiled by an international team of fungal biologists, make Biodiversity of Fungi an incredible and fundamental resource for the study of organismal biodiversity. Chapters cover everything from what is a fungus, to maintaining and organizing a permanent study collection with associated databases; from protocols for sampling slime molds to insect associated fungi; from fungi growing on and in animals and plants to mushrooms and truffles. The chapters are arranged both ecologically and by sampling method rather than by taxonomic group for ease of use. The information presented here is intended for everyone interested in fungi, anyone who needs tools to study them in nature including naturalists, land managers, ecologists, mycologists, and even citizen scientists and sophiscated amateurs. - Covers all groups of fungi - from molds to mushrooms, even slime molds - Describes sampling protocols for many groups of fungi - Arranged by sampling method and ecology to coincide with users needs - Beautifully illustrated to document the range of fungi treated and techniques discussed - Natural history data are provided for each group of fungi to enable users to modify suggested protocols to meet their needs

This fully revised third edition includes up-to-date topics and developments in the field, which has made tremendous strides since the publication of the second edition in 2004. Many novel techniques based on Next Generation Sequencing have sped up the analysis of fungi and major advances have been made in genome editing, leading to a deeper understanding of the genetics underlying cellular processes as well as their applicability. At the same time, the relevance of fungi is unbroken, both due to the serious threats to human health and welfare posed by fungal pests and pathogens, and to the many benefits that fungal biotechnology can offer for diverse emerging markets and processes that form the basis of the modern bioeconomy. With regard to these advances, the first section of this volume, Genetics, illustrates the basic genetic processes underlying inheritance, cell biology, metabolism and “lifestyles” of fungi. The second section, Biotechnology, addresses the applied side of fungal genetics, ranging from new tools for synthetic biology to the biotechnological potential of fungi from diverse environments. Gathering chapters written by reputed scientists, the book represents an invaluable reference guide for fungal biologists, geneticists and biotechnologists alike.

Uniquely modern textbook providing a broad, all-round understanding of fungal biology and the biological systems to which fungi contribute.

Part 1 summarises advances in analysing the rumen microbiome. Part 2 reviews recent research on different types of rumen microbiota. Part 3 discusses the way the rumen processes nutrients whilst Part 4 explores nutritional strategies to optimise rumen function.

The variety of the mycological world is far greater than most people imagine. Tens of thousands of fungal species have been described and many more are known only from the abundance of their genes in soil and water. Fungi are hugely important as agents of wood decay in forests, and, as parasites, they have caused the deaths of millions of people by ravaging crops and reshaping natural ecosystems. Fungi perform a variety of essential functions in ecosystems, and are important to both agriculture and biotechnology. Their importance is now becoming better appreciated among scientists, though there is much still to be understood concerning their taxonomy and evolution. This Very Short Introduction highlights the variety and extraordinary natures of fungi, revealing the remarkable facts of fungal biology and the global significance of these enchanting organisms. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Fungi enjoy great popularity in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and biotechnological applications. Recent advances in the decipherment of whole fungal genomes promise an acceleration of these trends. This timely book links scientists from different parts of the world who are interested in the molecular identification of fungi combined with the exploration of the fungal biodiversity in different ecosystems. It provides a compendium for scientists who rely on a rapid and reliable detection of fungal specimens in environmental as well as clinical resources in order to ensure the benefit of industrial and clinical applications. Chapters focus on the opportunities and limits of the molecular marker-mediated identification of fungi. Various methods, procedures and strategies are outlined. Furthermore, the book offers an update of the current progress in the development of fungal molecular techniques, and draws attention to potential and associated problems, as well as integrating theory and practice.