Ophiocordyceps Fungal Invasion of Ants: Difference between revisions

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Parasitic ant-fungal relationships have been present since the Eocene epoch 45 million years ago5. These relationships, while similar in nature and spanning the order Hymenoptera, are the result of a coevolution between parasite and host resulting in highly specific mechanisms of action. The genus Ophiocordyceps falls into this category of entomopathogens, fungi that parasitize insects. While each individual species of Ophiocordyceps infects a different host ant species, the method of fungal reproduction and spreading of spores remains the same. Fungal spores penetrate the protected cuticle of the ant  and begin to reproduce within internal ant tissues. After a certain period of time, usually after a few days, the infected ant will leave the colony, abandon its tasks, climb a vegetative structure, and bite on to the leaf, stem, or branch with its mandibles. Here, the ant will die, remaining latched on, as the fungus completes its life cycle by growing a fruiting body from the ant cadaver to disperse spores.<br>
Parasitic ant-fungal relationships have been present since the Eocene epoch 45 million years ago5. These relationships, while similar in nature and spanning the order Hymenoptera, are the result of a coevolution between parasite and host resulting in highly specific mechanisms of action. The genus Ophiocordyceps falls into this category of entomopathogens, fungi that parasitize insects. While each individual species of Ophiocordyceps infects a different host ant species, the method of fungal reproduction and spreading of spores remains the same. Fungal spores penetrate the protected cuticle of the ant  and begin to reproduce within internal ant tissues. After a certain period of time, usually after a few days, the infected ant will leave the colony, abandon its tasks, climb a vegetative structure, and bite on to the leaf, stem, or branch with its mandibles. Here, the ant will die, remaining latched on, as the fungus completes its life cycle by growing a fruiting body from the ant cadaver to disperse spores.<br>
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[[File:Pone.0004835.g001.PNG L.png|thumb|300px|left|Figure 1. Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.[https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=1833].]]
[[Image:Pone.0004835.g001.PNG L.png|thumb|300px|left|Figure 1. Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.[https://phil.cdc.gov/details.aspx?pid=1833].]]


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Revision as of 16:56, 11 December 2024

Introduction

Parasitic ant-fungal relationships have been present since the Eocene epoch 45 million years ago5. These relationships, while similar in nature and spanning the order Hymenoptera, are the result of a coevolution between parasite and host resulting in highly specific mechanisms of action. The genus Ophiocordyceps falls into this category of entomopathogens, fungi that parasitize insects. While each individual species of Ophiocordyceps infects a different host ant species, the method of fungal reproduction and spreading of spores remains the same. Fungal spores penetrate the protected cuticle of the ant and begin to reproduce within internal ant tissues. After a certain period of time, usually after a few days, the infected ant will leave the colony, abandon its tasks, climb a vegetative structure, and bite on to the leaf, stem, or branch with its mandibles. Here, the ant will die, remaining latched on, as the fungus completes its life cycle by growing a fruiting body from the ant cadaver to disperse spores.


Figure 1. Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.[1].


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Legend/credit: Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.
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Section 1 Genetics

Section titles are optional.
[1] Include some current research, with at least one image. Call out each figure by number (Fig. 1).

Sample citations: [1] [2]

A citation code consists of a hyperlinked reference within "ref" begin and end codes.

[3]

For multiple use of the same inline citation or footnote, you can use the named references feature, choosing a name to identify the inline citation, and typing [4]

[4]

Second citation of Ref 1: [1]

Here we cite April Murphy's paper on microbiomes of the Kokosing river. [5]

Section 2 Microbiome

Include some current research, with a second image.

Here we cite Murphy's microbiome research again.[5]

Conclusion

You may have a short concluding section. Overall, cite at least 5 references under References section.

References


Edited by [Author Name], student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116, 2024, Kenyon College.