International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry

The role of genetics in the effective utilisation of filamentous fungi*

S. Sarker and G. Saunders¹1. University of Westminster, School of Biosciences, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W I M 8JS
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: As a group of microorganisms filamentous fungi are of considerable economic and social significance. It is very likely that the future will witness an expansion in the number of species which are commercially exploited. Equally, the future is likely to see filamentous fungi and their products being used for a growing range of processes and treatments. In the future use of filamentous fungi and their products, genetic technology will play as significant a role as it already has in the development of existing products and processes. This contribution to the symposium will examine a range of uses for genetic methods ranging from the more classical whole cell mutagenic approach through to the more sophisticated methods which comprise genetic engineering. The role of genetics in improving a strain, once it has been identified as of potential commercial utility will be discussed. In addition the presentation will consider the potential for gene manipulation in the generation of diversity within closely related species and compounds produced by them. Examples of work from the author's laboratory and others, will be used to illustrate some of the principles discussed.

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