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=Introduction=

=Introduction=

Although there are over 50,000 identified species of fungi, only a few hundred are known to be pathogenic, causing infections known as mycoses (mycology being the study of fungi). Fungi are nonphotosynthetic organisms with a eukaryotic cell structure and are able to grow as branching or filamentous forms (mycelia) or as single cells (yeasts).  

Although there are over 50,000 identified species of fungi, only a few hundred are known to be pathogenic, causing infections known as '''mycoses''' (mycology being the study of fungi). Fungi are nonphotosynthetic organisms which are restricted to a parasitic or saphrophytic exsistence. They are abundant in soil, vegetation, water and on decaying vegetation and wood. Fungi have a eukaryotic cell structure and are able to grow as branching or filamentous forms (mycelia) or as single cells (yeasts).

 

 

There are two principle types of fungi, the moulds and the yeasts. fungal '''hyphae''' are the branching tubular structures of moulds which become entwined as the fungi grows to form a '''mycelium'''. Hyphae are divided by cross walls into '''septa'''. There are arial (above the surface) and surface hyphae. The aerial hyphae produce spores which are reproductive fungal cells. There are two main types of spore produced,  '''conidiospores''' and '''sporangiospores'''. These produce asexual spores called '''conidia''' which are relatively resistant to physical and chemical agents.

=Major pathogenic fungi=

=Major pathogenic fungi=