ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI

 

ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF FUNGI

Fungi play crucial ecological roles that contribute to the stability and productivity of ecosystems. Fungi are the most hyper diverse lineage of eukaryotes and have been horizontally invading lithogenic substrates since their inception. Their unique abilities to decompose, form symbiotic relationships, enhance soil health, and contribute to ecological balance make them indispensable for healthy ecosystems. Their main ecological importance includes:

 

1.   Decomposition and Nutrient Cycling:

Fungi play a major role in the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Organic materials consist of a variety of complex compounds such as cellulose and lignin. Fungi possess enzymes that break these substrates down, depolymerizing them, so that they can be taken up as nutrients. In ecosystems, most of the organic material composed of complex carbohydrates is found in the form of dead plants and dead animals, products such as feces of living animals and fungal biomass itself. The process by which complex organic materials are converted to simpler, mineral forms is referred to as decomposition; mineral substances can be taken up or "mined" during the fungal decomposition process, hence the term "nutrient cycling."

 

Because these materials are located in habitats where many different organisms live, they have evolved morphological and physiological adaptations to exploit them, such as substances that deter most organisms or even toxins. Many decomposer fungi digest their substrates externally by secreting enzymes into their immediate environment. The products of enzymatic degradation are then taken up directly into fungal cells and used for growth, maintenance, reproduction, etc.

 

2.   Food Web Contributions

Many animals, including insects, mammals, and invertebrates, rely on fungi as a primary or supplemental food source. Mycophagous organisms (fungus-eaters) depend on fungi, making them a critical component of food webs and biodiversity. Several Mushrooms are also consumed by humans and cattle.

 

3.   Soil Health and Structure:

Fungi contribute to soil structure through the production of hyphal networks and soil-binding compounds like glomalin, which improve soil aggregation, aeration, and moisture retention, supporting diverse soil organisms and plant root systems.

 

4.   Carbon Storage and Climate Regulation

Fungal decomposition affects the rate at which carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Through processes like carbon sequestration in forest soils and the formation of stable organic matter, fungi play a role in the global carbon cycle, impacting climate regulation.

 

5.   Symbiotic Relation to improve other organisms:

Fungi can establish symbiotic relation and improve the life process of several organisms. Many plants form mutualistic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, which attach to or invade their roots. The fungi provide plants with enhanced access to water and nutrients, while the plant supplies carbohydrates and other organic compounds to the fungi. Mycorrhiza occurs between about 80% of all plant species.

 

 Cyanobacteria establish mutualistic association with fungi, and the association is known as Lichen. Lichens, are critical in soil formation, particularly in harsh environments where they are among the first organisms to colonize bare rock.

 

6.   Pathogenic Behaviour:

Fungi act as natural control agents by infecting plants, insects, and other organisms, thus regulating population dynamics and helping maintain ecosystem balance. While some fungal pathogens can harm crops, others target specific pest populations, offering alternatives to chemical pest control in agriculture. Many fungal plant pathogens are ascomycetes and/or necrotrophs, which means that they kill host tissue before they colonize it. Many of these fungi produce proteinaceous toxins to facilitate killing and colonization. Toxins either inhibit protein synthesis or induce cell death in the host tumors they make, so that they can effectively decompose the tissues. The damage done by these fungi is so extensive that it often affects the entire body.

7.   Bioremediation

Some fungi can absorb and detoxify pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and hydrocarbons. They are used in bioremediation efforts to clean up contaminated soil and water, helping restore ecosystem health in polluted areas. Most fungi possess impressive arrays of enzymes acting in the transformation of metabolites and the degradation of organic polymers. A primary role for these enzymes is to protect the cell from harmful organic by-products of metabolism, but they also have valuable potential uses for environmentally sound ecological restoration. Some researchers have exploited the potential value of laccases in the biological breakdown of hazardous xenobiotics and color reduction in effluent. Enzymes can be produced and stored in amounts far exceeding that required to affect a cell's direct metabolism and physiology.

FURTHER SEARCH

Nutrition in fungi

https://www.biologicalworld.in/2024/03/nutrition-in-fungi.html

Characteristics of Fungi:

https://www.biologicalworld.in/2023/04/fungi%20characteristics.html

Algal Bloom

https://www.biologicalworld.in/2023/11/algal-bloom.html

Short question from Bryophytes

https://www.biologicalworld.in/2023/12/bryophyte-short-question.html