Fungi Fungi Everywhere

Summary

New research shows fungi living beneath the seafloor are widespread. Jennifer Biddle, an assistant professor of marine bio-sciences, and her colleges examined several samples of mud found at the bottom of different seas, and found more than 70 different species of fungi. Research suggests that fungi may help break down food for the bacteria, which is commensalism and possibly mutualism if the fungus benefits as well. These fungi also play a part in the carbon cycle and other chemical cycling.

This isn't the first time scientists have discovered fungi in the deep-sea sediment. Previously, it was not clear as to whether the fungi found in the sediment were spores that flew into the ocean, or actually living. Now, through advanced technology, they can prove the fungi that live there are meant to, meaning that have the adaptations to thrive.

Before this discovery the only known organisms to live in the deep-sea vents were single-celled archaea and bacteria. The discovery of fungi also living down there shows that complex, multicellular organisms that also survive under the extreme conditions.

Relevance 

This article connects back to class because it deals with fungi, bacteria, and archaea, which was our previous topic. In class, we learned about the carbon cycle and how chemicals are cycled. Certain fungi on land help with the nitrogen cycle, and we know that these deep-sea vent fungi participate in the cycling of carbon, and possibly more once more. Also, another topic talked about in class was symbiosis and  symbiotic relationships. The fungi helps the bacteria by breaking down food for them. This is commensalism and possibly mutualism, but more research has to be done to confirm that.

Fungi Fungi Everywhere

Article by Teresa Messmore

5 p.m., Feb. 13, 2013

http://www.udel.edu/udaily/2013/feb/fungi-seafloor-021313.html