Mycology

Mycology is the branch of biology that studies fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, their taxonomy, and their use to humans as a source for tinder, medicinal substances, or in bioremediation. Mycology is closely related to pathology as many fungi are pathogens, especially regarding plants.

History

The term "mycology" comes from the Greek μύκης, meaning "fungus" and the suffix -λογία, meaning "study". Historically, mycologists grouped fungi into classes based on their characteristics, such as their color or the structure of their spores. However, modern mycology classifies fungi based on their genetic relationships.

Branches of Mycology

Mycology is divided into several sub-disciplines, including:

• Medical mycology: The study of fungi that produce diseases in humans and other animals.
• Veterinary mycology: A branch of mycology focusing on the study of fungi causing diseases in animals.
• Mycotoxicology: The study of toxins produced by fungi, known as mycotoxins.
• Industrial mycology: The study of uses of fungi in industrial processes such as fermentation and waste treatment.

Importance of Mycology

Mycology has a wide range of applications in industries such as food and medicine. For example, certain types of fungi are used in the production of yeast for baking and brewing. In medicine, fungi are a source of antibiotics, such as penicillin and cephalosporins.

See Also

• Mushroom hunting
• Mushroom cultivation
• Fungal diversity
• List of mycologists

References

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Mycology

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  Mycena leaiana var. australis

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  British Mycological Society 1913