ABSTRACT
The role of hydrogenosomes in anaerobic fungi and other anaerobic eucaryotes appears to be similar to that of mitochondria in aerobic eucaryotes, although the functional mechanisms for end-product and energy generation appear somewhat more primitive, incorporating enzyme systems that are ancient in origin. The search for anaerobic fungi capable of degrading algal material could lead to the discovery of new anaerobic fungus-alga associations. Indeed, the association of ascomycetes with marine algae is well known. One of the major problems in assessing the importance of anaerobic fungi in the rumen has been the difficulty of estimating the biomass. While research into these new avenues should provide exciting challenges and opportunities in the future, it should be balanced by the continued need to better understand the role of the fungi in fiber digestion in relation to diet and possible environmental and economic implications.
