User:Akiegami: Difference between revisions
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''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis'', often referred to as the "zombie ant fungus", was first discovered by biologist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1859 (Hughes et. Al 2011). The fungus was further described by Louis and Charles Tulasne who drew illustrations of it infecting ants (Evans et. Al 2017). Scientific papers often refer to this fungus as ''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l'' (''sensu lato'' - in a broad sense) due to the fact that it is actually a species complex consisting of distinct individuals (Evans et. Al 2011). ''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis'' infects Campotini and Formicinae ants, turning them into zombies and utilizing them as tools for propagation (Hughes et. Al 2011, Evans et. Al 2017). Numerous studies have focused on characterizing the infection mechanisms and secondary metabolites produced by this fungus in order to better understand how it manipulates its ant hosts (Hughes et. Al 2011, Bekker et. Al 2017). ''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis'' is commonly found in tropical forest environments throughout the world (Evans et. Al 2011). | ''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis'', often referred to as the "zombie ant fungus", was first discovered by biologist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1859 (Hughes et. Al 2011). The fungus was further described by Louis and Charles Tulasne who drew illustrations of it infecting ants (Evans et. Al 2017). Scientific papers often refer to this fungus as ''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l'' (''sensu lato'' - in a broad sense) due to the fact that it is actually a species complex consisting of distinct individuals (Evans et. Al 2011). ''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis'' infects Campotini and Formicinae ants, turning them into zombies and utilizing them as tools for propagation (Hughes et. Al 2011, Evans et. Al 2017). Numerous studies have focused on characterizing the infection mechanisms and secondary metabolites produced by this fungus in order to better understand how it manipulates its ant hosts (Hughes et. Al 2011, Bekker et. Al 2017). ''Ophiocordyceps unilateralis'' is commonly found in tropical forest environments throughout the world (Evans et. Al 2011). | ||
== | ==Morphology== | ||
Interesting features of the life cycle, spores produced, reproductive features; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces. | Interesting features of the life cycle, spores produced, reproductive features; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces. | ||
==Genome Structure== | ==Genome Structure== | ||
Revision as of 08:53, 12 December 2025
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
Domain: Eukarya
Phylum: Ascomycota
Class: Sordariomycetes
Order: Hypocerales
Family: Ophiocordycipitaceae
Species
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NCBI: [1] |
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l.
Also referred to as the "zombie ant fungus"
Background
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, often referred to as the "zombie ant fungus", was first discovered by biologist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1859 (Hughes et. Al 2011). The fungus was further described by Louis and Charles Tulasne who drew illustrations of it infecting ants (Evans et. Al 2017). Scientific papers often refer to this fungus as Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l (sensu lato - in a broad sense) due to the fact that it is actually a species complex consisting of distinct individuals (Evans et. Al 2011). Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects Campotini and Formicinae ants, turning them into zombies and utilizing them as tools for propagation (Hughes et. Al 2011, Evans et. Al 2017). Numerous studies have focused on characterizing the infection mechanisms and secondary metabolites produced by this fungus in order to better understand how it manipulates its ant hosts (Hughes et. Al 2011, Bekker et. Al 2017). Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is commonly found in tropical forest environments throughout the world (Evans et. Al 2011).
Morphology
Interesting features of the life cycle, spores produced, reproductive features; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Genome Structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
Ecology and Pathogenesis
Habitat; symbiosis; environmental or industrial relevance; contributions to environment.
If relevant, how does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as host symptoms.
References
Author
Page authored by Aki Egami, student of Dr. Marc Orbach, University of Arizona .
