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Fungi Penicillium

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Penicillium is a polyphagous fungus i.e. capable of obtaining food from different sources. Most
of the species are saprophytes and live mainly on organic biodegradable substances. Being an
opportunist fungus, it is capable of growing everywhere on organic matter like fruits, bread, meat
leading to their decay. Some of the species like P. expansum, P.digitatum, P. italicum and P. allii
are weak parasite causing spoilage of fruits and bulbs in storage.
Although several species of Penicillium have been reported to be important for animal and
human health but some like P. marneffei has been recognized to produce mycotoxins badly
affecting human health. P. marneffei is a dimorphic fungus because, at room temperature it
grows as a mold and at body temperature it grows as yeast. In humans it is associated with the
development of penicillosis, a disease endemic to eastern or southeastern Asia. In this disease
lesions develop on the skin and get disseminated to lungs and other organs of the body. Its
infection is more common in individuals with suppressed immune system.
P. purpurogenum is known to parasitize Aspergillus niger and creates nuisance when the latter is
used industrially for the production of cheese and gluconic acid.

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1 Surname Student’s Name Course Date Penicillium is a polyphagous fungus i.e. capable of obtaining food from different sources. Most of the species are saprophytes and live mainly on organic biodegradable substances. Being an opportunist fungus, it is capable of growing everywhere on organic mat ...
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