Applications of Genomics in Fungal Biotechnology

Abstract

Fungi as eukaryotes are most abundant on the earth with high diversity in morphology, phylogeny metabolism and ecology. They are well known for a variety of bioactive molecules of agricultural, industrial and pharmaceutical significance. In fungal systematics, a huge number of fungi and fungi-like organisms are awaiting discovery. Morphological as well as basic molecular tools are insufficient in understanding the genomic diversity of fungi. Along with systematics, production of novel compounds, understanding the genetic diversity and their products has great significance in commercialization of fungi and their products. Recent technological advancements helped to uncover potential of fungal biosphere for better exploitation. New and novel techniques enable genetic manipulation of a growing number of fungi for industrial pursuits. Recent progress in understanding the whole fungal genome promises to accelerate these trends of development. In this chapter, an emphasis has been laid on the technological advances in exploring the genomic nature of fungi, their biotechnological implication and their significance in recent challenges.