ABSTRACT
Fungi have enormous impact on human affairs and the functioning of ecosystems. As a primary decomposer in the planet’s ecosphere fungi have vital roles in nutrient recycling. Fungi can be directly used as food (mushrooms) they are important agents for the production of fermented foods (e.g., Cheese, bread, wine) and for the manufacture of enzymes and antibiotics. Fungi are also the most important group of plant pathogens causing serious losses in crop yield and marketability of produce worldwide. Cellular structure metabolic mechanisms and gene organization of fungi are similar to those of higher eukaryotes. Several species of fungi such as Neurospora crassa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
Aspergillus nidulans, have provided sophisticated genetic systems for basic science.
