The Hyphal Tip: Fungal Genomes and Comparative Genomics

Saprophytic fungi degrade organic matter to release carbon, nitrogen, and other elements locked up in complexes. There is interest in better degradation of recalictrant ligin and cellulose plant matter as part of a bioenergy program. Some fungi are able to break down these plant molecules that would otherwise remain behind when left to digestion by bacteria. Many studies have shown the breadth and efficiency of different fungi in degradation