Category: Fungi
Seven Spooky Microbiology Stories for Halloween
(1) Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, the vampire bacteria
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus has many names such as the vampire bacterium or the predatory bacterium that describes its lifestyle. To begin replicating, the bacterium finds its prey bacterium, attaches, and invades. Then Bdellovibrio ingests the contents inside, using it for its own growth. It replicates inside and then bursts from the membrane as many more bacterial cells to further invade other prey bacteria. (more…)Botrytis cinerea: a fungus that gives us sweet wine grapes or moldy crops
How Chemical Eavesdropping Enabled Carnivorism in Fungi
The fight for survival has led to the evolution of many strategies to obtain food, and some fungi have taken on a carnivorous lifestyle. There are over 700 species of carnivorous fungi identified that prey upon nematode worms, rotifers, and tardigrades. While fungi usually dine on decaying organic matter, sometimes that is not enough. Decaying wood, for example, does not provide enough nitrogen, and in these environments, fungi turn to carnivorism for their nitrogen needs. In case you were wondering, the Venus flytrap is also found in nitrogen-poor environments. (more…)
There’s a Fungus Among Us and It’s Making Peppers Spicy
Though the heat of the chili pepper has taken our culinary adventures to great heights, the spiciness of chili peppers was not designed to attract hungry diners. Spiciness actually evolved to defend the plant against fungal predators.
Peppers, like many fruits, are colorful, sweet, and appetizing, designed to attract animals that help bring seeds to new ground. But along with inviting animals beneficial to the plant’s survival, fruits also lure consumers that destroy seeds. Thus, fruit chemistry hangs in a delicate balance. The chemicals produced by the fruit must keep predators at bay, but must also not negatively affect seed dispersers. (more…)