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arcticmonkeys9 arcticmonkeys9
wrote...
5 years ago
Describe the major roles of fungi that affect humans and their environment.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Species of Penicillium are important to humans in what very different ways?
 
  What will be an ideal response?
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2 Replies

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Replies
wrote...
5 years ago
Answer to q. 1

Fungi have many effects on humans and their environment. First, along with bacteria, the primary
decomposers on Earth are fungi. Decomposers provide vital recycling of carbon and other nutrients;
without such recycling, the planet would quickly face a nutrient crisis as carbon and other nutrients
became locked up in leaf litter and other cast-off organic matter. Second, fungi are the cause of many
diseases. They are the greatest cause of plant diseases, and many diseases in animals (including
humans) are caused by fungi. Third, fungi provide extremely important direct benefits to about 90
percent of plants via mycorrhizae. Fourth, fungi are part of lichens, which begin the process of making
soils from bare rocks and which are the primary producers in some harsh environments like the arctic
tundra. Finally, fungi are used by humans for such things as baking, making cheeses, making alcoholic
beverages, making antibiotics, and as model organisms for studies of molecular biology and genetic
engineering in eukaryotes.

Answer to q. 2

Some species of Penicillium are the source of antibiotics, and therefore are important in medicine.
Some species of Penicillium produce the aroma and distinctive flavor in some cheeses, and therefore
are important in the food industry.
wrote...
5 years ago
Were some really tough homework problems! Thanks for answering all of them correctly
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