Fungal protector against bacterial attackers
Research team from Jena deciphers complex interplay between bacteria, fungi and plants
| by Alena Gold
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.