4. Uses as decomposerās of wastes
ā¢ Many saprophytic fungi decompose plant and animal debris and continuously
remove it from the manās environment.
ā¢ During this process they also liberate a large amount of CO2, which is used by
the green plants for the synthesis of food by photosynthesis.
ā¢ Decomposition of organic wastes also result in the formation of humus, which is
needed for the growth of plants.
5. Mycorrhiza
ā¢ A symbiotic association of fungi and the roots of
higher plants is called mycorrhiza.
ā¢ Literal meaning of mycorrhiza is fungus root.
ā¢ Mycorrhizal roots generally lack root hairs.This
association helps in the absorption of nutrients.
ā¢ The Mycorrhizal roots are generally resistant to
infection.
6. Edible Fungi
ā¢ There are about 200 species of fungi which
are used as food.
ā¢ The most important among them are
common field mushroom.
ā¢ E.g. Agaricus campestris, Morchella
esculanta, Lycoperdon, Catherella cibarius
and Boletus edulis
ā¢ They are rich source of vitamins.
ā¢ They are delicious in taste
10. Yeast Cakes
ā¢ The large scale production of yeast cake is called āmicrobial
farmingā
ā¢ These are prepared by mixing a large number of yeast cells
with some inert substances such as, starch and then
compressed to form cakes.
ā¢ Yeast cells are rich in protein and hence, the yeast cakes are
eaten directly as health giving food.
ā¢ Yeast cakes are extensively used in baking and brewing
industries.
ā¢ They are also used in laboratories to demonstrate
fermentation in sugary solution.
11. Uses in Medicines
ā¢ Many strains of fungi produce potential
metabolites which are used as medicines or in
the preparation of medicines. Some metabolic
products used in medicine are
Ergot
ā¢ The drug stimulate muscles of uterus & used as
abortifacient to assit child birth.
ā¢ It is also used to increase blood pressure,
controls uterine hemorrhage & in many other
uterine disturbances.
Antibiotics
ā¢ Many antibiotics are obtain from fungi.
ā¢ E.g. Penicillin andClavicin etc.
12. Vitamins
ā¢ Fungi are rich source of many vitamins.
ā¢ Vitamins B complex is obtained from
yeasts. Other vitamins obtained from
yeasts & molds are ā vitamin D,
Riboflavin, Ergosterol, etc.
13. Industrial Uses
ā¢ Fungi are used in many important industries in the
production of varied products.
Alcoholic fermentation
ā¢ The common alcoholic beverages- wine & beer are
fermentation products by the activity of different
species of Saccharomyces.
Wine
ā¢ Wine is made from juice of grapes or other fruits by
allowing yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to induce
alcoholic fermentation.
ā¢ It contains 10-12 % alcohol.
14. Cont.ā¦ā¦..
Beer
ā¢ Beer is chiefly made from barley grains.The starch of
grain is first converted to fermentable sugars, maltose
& glucose by the process called malting.
ā¢ It is then fermented by special strains of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
ā¢ The beer contains 3ā8 % alcohol.