The reasons behind tolerance offungus for a wide range of environmental extremes in pH (potential of hydrogen), temperature, and osmotic pressure. Introduction: An optimum level of physical factors is vital for the survival of any organism. Any deviation from the latter results in the disruption of the cellular machinery and functioning. Change in temperature leads to the alteration in the level of saturation or unsaturation of fatty acids in the plasma membrane. A pH variation results in the alteration of the availability of metabolites and inorganic ions for the organism, which hinders normal cellular functioning. Osmotic pressure also plays an important role in solute uptake and maintaining cell homeostasis, so any change in this would also be lethal. Even then fungi can grow and reproduce in the diverse habitats and have potential to sustain a wide range of extreme environmental conditions with varying physical factors. This resistance is attained due to their distinct cellular morphology, ability to reproduce both asexually and sexually, and symbiotic relationships with other organisms.

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Chapter 12, Problem 2CT

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The reasons behind tolerance offungus for a wide range of environmental extremes in pH (potential of hydrogen), temperature, and osmotic pressure.

Introduction:

An optimum level of physical factors is vital for the survival of any organism. Any deviation from the latter results in the disruption of the cellular machinery and functioning. Change in temperature leads to the alteration in the level of saturation or unsaturation of fatty acids in the plasma membrane. A pH variation results in the alteration of the availability of metabolites and inorganic ions for the organism, which hinders normal cellular functioning.

Osmotic pressure also plays an important role in solute uptake and maintaining cell homeostasis, so any change in this would also be lethal. Even then fungi can grow and reproduce in the diverse habitats and have potential to sustain a wide range of extreme environmental conditions with varying physical factors. This resistance is attained due to their distinct cellular morphology, ability to reproduce both asexually and sexually, and symbiotic relationships with other organisms.

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