Question

If fungi were to disappear completely from earth what might happen? List at least 3 different consequences

Answer 1

Fungi are immensely important to the ecosystem of this planet. Fungi are single celled multinucleate organisms that can decompose and absorb materials on which they grow.

* Fungi are the main decomposers on earth as they can decompose lignin and cellulose which even free living bacteria cannot digest. The oragnic matter that started to build up after things die needed to be recycled so that it could be used up again. Fungi 'eat dead' by breaking down the deag things by releasing enzymes, thus recycling the nutrients to be used again by living things. With out fungi this recycling cycle will not takes place which can cause negative effect to the ecosystem.

* Fungi has symbiotic relationship with roots of vascular plants. This relationship is called Mycorrhiza. Through this association, fungi helps the plants to increase the nutrient uptake. It also helps the plants by increasing the water absorption, thus facilitating drought resistance. It also helps certain plants to have insect resistance by secreating certain compounds and helps the plants to be immune. Today a vast majority of plants benefit from symbiotic relationship with various different species of fungi. Without fungi these plants survival will be affected.

* Fungi are also produce certain metabolites which are used widely as medicines. Antibiotics obtained from fungi such as Penicillin, Clavicin, Griseofulin etc are of great importance. More over they are also a critical part in food industry for fermentation such as wine, citric acid , oxalic acid etc. With out fungi these industries and medical field will be affected. Fungi also helps in bioremediation, by producing exoenzymes which act aganist the xenobiotics like pesticides and effluents that affect water and land and health.