Fungi cell structure

Chitosan, an important structural component of several fungi cell walls, is a liner p-(l,4)-glucosamine polymer produced by deacetylation of chitin and was reported to be the most active ingredient contained within fungal cell walls [19]. It was convincingly demonstrated that chitosan had a potential dual role inducing... 

Cellulose, discovered and isolated by Payen (1838), is considered to be the most abundant polymer on Earth. It is certainly one of the most important structural elements in plants, serving to maintain cell structure. Cellulose is also important to other living species such as bacteria, fungi, algae, amoebas, and even animals. It is a ubiquitous structural polymer that confers its mechanical properties to higher plant cells. 

The cell wall of S. cerevisiae, like that of other fungi, is very strong. Despite its great strength, one should remember that the cell wall is a dynamic structure (unlike a brick wall). There are three major components ... 

In contrast to the wide range of antibacterial antibiotics, there are very few antifungal antibiotics that can be used systemically. Lack of toxicity is, as always, of paramount importance, but the differences in structure of, and some biosynthetic processes in, fungal cells (Chapter 2) mean that antibacterial antibiotics are usually inactive against fungi. 

Endomycorrhizal hyphae adopt a variety of colonization patterns in their penetration of the host root cells. Glomalean fungi are highly dependent on their ho.st and cannot survive for long in its absence. Their hyphae form appressoria on the epidermal cells, penetrate the cortical tissue, and eventually form highly branched structures called arbuscules (Figs. 3-6) (10). 

P. Bonfante, At the interface between mycorrhizal fungi and plants. The structural organization of cell wall, plasma membrane, and cytoskeleton Mycota, Vol. IX, Fungal Associations (B. Hock, ed.). Springer-Verlag. In press. 

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