Thursday, May 12, 2011

Missing Link for Fungi Found in University Pond

A recent article in Biology News Net claims that researchers from the University of Exeter have revealed a "missing link" in the fungal part of the tree of life. Researchers obtained samples from a pond located at the University of Exeter.

The temporary name for the new group is Cryptomycota that come from the Greek meaning "hidden fungi". Cryptomycota lack a tough cell wall which is crucial for the growth of fungi and how they feed.

Dr. Meredith Jones from the University of Exeter found the microbes . She said " While the first samples used in oir investigation was taken from the univeristy pond, cryptomycota are present in samples taken from all over the world. The huge genetic diversity and prevelence of this group leads us to believe they probably play an important role in a rang of environmental processes."

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