Re: Once the fungus penetrates a certain point

[Guest guest]

This sounds like a good starting point for antifungal research.

I wonder what enzymes are in play?

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2C@n...>

wrote:

> http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?

> file=/2004/9/7/features/petalspur & sec=features

>

> " Fungi play a crucial role in the biology of many plants because

they

> convert oxygen to compounds that plants can use to grow, but

orchids

> depend on fungi well into maturity. " Beneath their good looks,

> orchids are parasites, says Jutta. " This conclusion was established

> only at the beginning of the last century, and after much debate,

it

> has finally been accepted and scientifically proven.

>

> " Orchids use fungi as a means of nutrient transport. The plant even

> produces sugary matter for the fungi, which feed on carbohydrates,

to

> attract them. "

>

> Once the fungus penetrates a certain point within the plant's

cells,

> says Jutta, the cells will secrete an enzyme that breaks down the

> fungal tissues, keeping the fungus in check and preventing it from

> invading the plant further.

>

> The dissolved fungal tissue is then broken down into vitamins,

fatty

> acids and carbohydrates which the plant uses for its own growth.

>

> " This cycle is repeated over and over, and each cell is re-

colonised

> several times. " This process, she adds, begins as soon as an orchid

> seed germinates.

>

> " When a seed's outer shell is broken, it is `invaded' by a fungus,

> but the seed contains the enzyme that keeps it in check, not

allowing

> the fungus to destroy it. "

>

> Once this happens, the fungus is not killedbut it simply becomes a

> vessel through which the orchid derives nutrients for its own

> development, says Jutta.

>

> But while orchids are not prized for their parasitic

characteristics,

> they are certainly appreciated for their incredible beauty.

[Guest guest]

This sounds like a good starting point for antifungal research.

I wonder what enzymes are in play?

--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2C@n...>

wrote:

> http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?

> file=/2004/9/7/features/petalspur & sec=features

>

> " Fungi play a crucial role in the biology of many plants because

they

> convert oxygen to compounds that plants can use to grow, but

orchids

> depend on fungi well into maturity. " Beneath their good looks,

> orchids are parasites, says Jutta. " This conclusion was established

> only at the beginning of the last century, and after much debate,

it

> has finally been accepted and scientifically proven.

>

> " Orchids use fungi as a means of nutrient transport. The plant even

> produces sugary matter for the fungi, which feed on carbohydrates,

to

> attract them. "

>

> Once the fungus penetrates a certain point within the plant's

cells,

> says Jutta, the cells will secrete an enzyme that breaks down the

> fungal tissues, keeping the fungus in check and preventing it from

> invading the plant further.

>

> The dissolved fungal tissue is then broken down into vitamins,

fatty

> acids and carbohydrates which the plant uses for its own growth.

>

> " This cycle is repeated over and over, and each cell is re-

colonised

> several times. " This process, she adds, begins as soon as an orchid

> seed germinates.

>

> " When a seed's outer shell is broken, it is `invaded' by a fungus,

> but the seed contains the enzyme that keeps it in check, not

allowing

> the fungus to destroy it. "

>

> Once this happens, the fungus is not killedbut it simply becomes a

> vessel through which the orchid derives nutrients for its own

> development, says Jutta.

>

> But while orchids are not prized for their parasitic

characteristics,

> they are certainly appreciated for their incredible beauty.