Fungal protector against bacterial attackers
Research team from Jena deciphers complex interplay between bacteria, fungi and plants
Bacteria of the genus Streptomyces produce numerous substances that ensure their survival. Azalomycins are such an example: they have an antimicrobial effect and can also damage cells of higher organisms, including the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The algae actively seeks a partnership with the mould fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Through this partnership, it is protected from the damaging effect of azalomycin F. A team of researchers from Jena has studied the complex interplay between bacteria, fungi and plants in detail.