2nd Edition

Fungal Cell Wall Structure, Synthesis, and Assembly, Second Edition

By José Ruiz-Herrera Copyright 2012
    203 Pages 25 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    203 Pages 25 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Fungal Cell Wall: Structure, Synthesis, and Assembly, Second Edition is a compendium of information on the chemical structure, synthesis, and organization of the cell wall of fungi. Reviewing the past 20 years of research in the field, it discusses experimental evidence that demonstrates the role of the cell wall in the growth, development, morphogenesis, and evolution of fungi.

    Synthesizes 20 Years of Important Research on Fungal Cell Walls

    More than just a revision, this second edition offers a fresh perspective on what is currently known about the fungal cell wall. It covers recent developments, conflicting theories, and important aspects that are largely forgotten—including critical analysis of the prevalent idea that cell walls from all fungal species have the same basic structure, organization, and behavior as the most popular models of study.

    Chapters are self-contained and can be read independently, allowing readers to delve into specific topics. The book begins by examining the chemical composition and structure of the fungal cell wall, an area almost closed to modern research. It then describes the structure and synthesis of the most important components of the cell wall and analyzes the mechanisms of cell wall expansion and growth. Throughout, the book identifies the basic concepts that have led to modern ideas about cell walls.

    The Essential Guide to the Fungal Cell Wall

    A critical review of fungal cell wall research, this book helps readers understand the role of fungi in nature—both positive and negative—from their symbiotic associations and biotechnological applications to their pathogenicity to plants, animals, and humans.

    Introduction

    Cell wall composition
    Cell wall composition
    Differentiation of the cell wall chemical composition

    Structure of the fungal cell wall
    Methods for the study of cell wall structure
    Organization of the cell wall
    The cell wall surface
    Microfibrilar structure of the cell wall
    Associations of the components of the cell wall
    Mechanical characteristics of the fungal cell wall

    Chitin
    Structure of chitin
    Chitin distribution in nature
    Chitin biosynthesis
    Inhibitors of chitin synthases
    Cytology of chitin biosynthesis

    Chitosan
    General characteristics and distribution of chitosan
    The functions of chitosan
    Chitosan biosynthesis and genetic control and phylogenetic relationships of chitin deacetylases

    Fungal glucans
    Structure of glucans
    Role of fungal glucans
    Synthesis of glucans
    Other glycosyl transferases involved in the synthesis of β-glucans
    Synthesis of β-1,6-glucans
    Synthesis of α-1,3-glucans

    Proteins
    Chemical structure of glycoproteins
    Different classes of covalently bound glycoproteins
    Biosynthesis of glycoproteins
    Synthesis of GPI-proteins
    Nonclassical protein secretion

    Cytological aspects of cell wall synthesis
    Synthesis of secretory and membrane-bound proteins
    Translocation of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum
    The importance of protein glycosylation in translocation
    Transfer of proteins along the endomembrane system
    The secretion mechanism in filamentous fungi
    The Spitzenkörper
    Vesicles and chitosomes in fungal cell wall growth
    The porosome

    Cell wall growth and expansion
    Expansion of the cell wall
    Polarization of cell wall synthesis and apical growth

    Index

    Chapters include an Introduction and References.

    Biography

    José Ruiz-Herrera, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Genetic Engineering at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico (Irapuato Unit). He has been the recipient of important awards, among which the following may be cited: Award of the Academy of Scientific Research, Mexico; Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Award from the Congress of the State of Guanajuato, Mexico; Elsevier/Scopus/Science and Technology Council of the State of Guanajuato Award; the Ruth Allen Award of the American Phytopathological Society; and the National Award in Sciences from the Mexican Government. He is a member of several scientific societies, having served as president of the Mexican Society for Microbiology and the Mexican Society for Biochemistry, and has served on many scientific committees. He is a reviewer for several prestigious journals and serves or has served as associate editor for some of them. Dr. Ruiz-Herrera has published more than 220 articles in international journals and presented over 230 lectures.