Phanerochaete chrysosporium: Difference between revisions

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==Classification==
==Classification==


[[Image:whiterot.gif|right|Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts ''Phanerochaete chrysosporium'' fungi; Mag. 13184x. Photograph courtesy of UC Reagents.]]
[[Image:whiterot.gif|right|Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts ''Phanerochaete chrysosporium'' fungi; Mag. 1x. Photograph courtesy of UC Reagents.]]


===Higher order taxa===
===Higher order taxa===

Revision as of 04:43, 8 March 2008

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A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Classification

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts Phanerochaete chrysosporium fungi; Mag. 1x. Photograph courtesy of UC Reagents.

Higher order taxa

Eukaryota; Fungi/Metazoa group; Fungi; Dikarya; Basidiomycota; Agaricomycotina; Agaricomycetes; Agaricomycetes incertae sedis; Corticiales; Corticiaceae; Phanerochaete

Species

NCBI: Taxonomy

Phanerochaete chrysosporium


Description and significance

Phanerochaete chrysosporium is called a white rot fungus for its specialized ability to degrade lignin, while leaving the white cellulose available for degradation by other organisms. Phanerochaete chrysosporium releases extracellular enzymes to break-up the complex three-dimensional structure of lignin into components that can be utilized by its metabolism. The extracellular enzymes are non-specific oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals) used to cleave the lignin bonds. [3]

Phanerochaete chrysosporium is a crust fungi, which forms flat fused reproductive fruiting bodies instead of the mushroom structure. This fungi exhibit an interesting pattern of septate hyphae, giving a stronger line of defense in times of distress. The hyphae network has some branching, with diameters ranging from 3-9 µm. At the ends of the hyphae rests chlamydospores, thick-walled spores varying from 50-60 µm. The conidiophore gives rise to round asexual blastoconidia, which are 6-9 µm in diameter. [1,2]


Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Genome structure

Phanerochaete chrysosporium is the first member of the Basidiomycetes to have its complete genome sequence. The genome consists of 30-million base pairs Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Bioremediation

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

1. Burdsall, H. (1985) Mycologia Memoir 10, 61-63. 2. Nakasone, K. (1990) Mycologia Memoir 15, 224-225. 3. Burdsall, H. (1974) Mycotaxon 1, 124.

[Sample reference] Takai, K., Sugai, A., Itoh, T., and Horikoshi, K. "Palaeococcus ferrophilus gen. nov., sp. nov., a barophilic, hyperthermophilic archaeon from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent chimney". International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 2000. Volume 50. p. 489-500.

Edited by student of Kate Scow