We’ve briefly noted the important part that fungi play in the production of human foods and beverages. We have also described the diverse roles that fungi play in natural ecosystems, from decomposers to pathogens to mutualistic partners. These diverse ecological roles have led to the use of fungi in studies of environmental change and in remediation of environmental pollution. Many fungi are also important model organisms for laboratory investigations of basic biological process. Others, as you saw at the opening of this chapter, have given us treatments for human diseases.
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Baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has many uses in food and drink.
Some Penicillium and Aspergillus mold species are important in food production.
Many fungi serve directly as a food source.
Lichens are good biological indicators of air quality.
Mycorrhizal fungi are important to reforestation efforts.