Fungi are of fundamental importance in the terrestrial environment. They have roles as decomposers, plant pathogens, symbionts, and in elemental cycles. Fungi are often dominant, and in soil can comprise the largest pool of biomass (including other microorganisms and invertebrates). They also play a role in maintenance of soil structure due to their filamentous growth habit and exopolymer production. Despite their important roles in the biosphere, fungi are frequently neglected within broader environmental and microbiological spheres. Additionally, mycological interests can be somewhat fragmented between traditional subject boundaries. This multi-disciplinary volume explores the roles and importance of fungi in the environment. Particular emphasis is given to major research advances made in recent years as a result of molecular and genomic approaches, and in cell imaging and biology. Drawing together microbiologists, mycologists, and environmental scientists, this work is a unique account of modern environmental mycology, and a pivotal contribution to the field.

The Fungi, Third Edition, offers a comprehensive and thoroughly integrated treatment of the biology of the fungi. This modern synthesis highlights the scientific foundations that continue to inform mycologists today, as well as recent breakthroughs and the formidable challenges in current research. The Fungi combines a wide scope with the depth of inquiry and clarity offered by three leading fungal biologists. The book describes the astonishing diversity of the fungi, their complex life cycles, and intriguing mechanisms of spore release. The distinctive cell biology of the fungi is linked to their development as well as their metabolism and physiology. One of the great advances in mycology in recent decades is the recognition of the vital importance of fungi in the natural environment. Plants are supported by mycorrhizal symbioses with fungi, are attacked by other fungi that cause plant diseases, and are the major decomposers of their dead tissues. Fungi also engage in supportive and harmful interactions with animals, including humans. They are major players in global nutrient cycles. This book is written for undergraduates and graduate students, and will also be useful for professional biologists interested in familiarizing themselves with specific topics in fungal biology.

The fungi are one of the great groups of living organisms, comparable in numbers of species, diversity and ecological significance with animals, plants, protists and bacteria. This textbook deals with all fundamental and applied aspects of mycology, illustrated by reference to well studied species from major fungal groups. Since the publication of the first edition of The Fungi, there have been many important advances in the field of mycology. This second up-to-date edition has been revised and substantially expanded, and incorporates the application of methods of molecular biology, especially DNA technology to mycology.
KEY FEATURES:
* Question and answer section at the end of each chapter
* Modern classification based on Molecular phylogeny
* Detail of the recent increased understanding of the organelles and processes involved in hyphal growth
* New molecular understanding of mating type genes
* The latest on molecular recognition in the infection process
* The use of DNA technology in engineering plant resistance to fungal diseases
* New section on medical mycology
* Fungal mycology in animals
* The latest on the use of genetically manipulated fungi to produce products earlier obtained from mammals