Hi, I am new to mycology, may I ask what's a fungal strain? how to identify a different fungal strain from the other? do i need to produce them in order to describe a species properly and how may i attempt to do so if it is necessary? I cant seem to find any reading material with clear explanation online, any of such reading materials will also be helpful. Thanks.
Distinguishing different strains of fungi often involves a combination of methods, including:Morphological Characteristics: Examining the physical appearance, such as color, size, shape, and texture of fungal structures like spores, hyphae, and fruiting bodies.Molecular Techniques: DNA analysis, like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, helps identify genetic differences between strains. This can be more accurate than relying solely on physical characteristics.Cultural Characteristics: Observing the growth patterns and features of fungi on different types of media can provide additional clues for identification.Physiological Traits: Assessing how fungi react to specific environmental conditions, such as temperature or nutrient requirements, can help differentiate strains.Metabolic Characteristics: Analyzing metabolic byproducts or enzymes produced by the fungi can offer insights into their biochemical activities.Ecological Niches: Considering the environmental context in which the fungi are found can be informative, as different strains may prefer specific habitats or hosts.
Muhammad Umar Dear Muhammad Umar, thank you for your informative and clear explanation. It is very helpful.
Welcome to the intriguing universe of mycology! When we talk about a fungal strain, we're referring to a genetic variation or subtype that resides within the broader group of a single fungal species. It's akin to the concept of dog breeds within the species Canis lupus familiaris. Just as each breed of dog exhibits distinctive characteristics, fungal strains can display a variety of differences. These differences may manifest in their structure, genetic composition, chemical processes, or even in their capability to fend off certain antibiotic treatments.
To pinpoint these various fungal strains, mycologists usually employ a multifaceted approach, encompassing:
1. Morphological analysis: This entails careful examination of both the visible and microscopic traits. Morphologists look at various features like the color, shape, and dimensions of the spores, the fruiting bodies they produce, and the web-like hyphal structures.
2. Genotypic analysis: This method utilizes cutting-edge molecular techniques to dig into the DNA. Specialized procedures like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), DNA barcoding, or even analyzing the entire genome can reveal the genetic disparities among the strains.
3. Biochemical tests: Fungi can also be distinguished by analyzing their metabolic functions and identifying the particular enzymes they secrete.
Vahid Oladzad
I'm not aware "strain" has taxonomic significance per se in mycology bacteriology etc. I'm familiar with the term as an equivalent to "isolate" or identified with unique ATCC number. Each may be/prob is unique if one looked hard enough but has distinction no taxonomic position in the hierarchy of classification.
In general, isolated means to isolate and find a fungus from a physical sample of soil, etc. In other words, when a fungus is isolated from a body sample, it is called isolated.
But strain is often used to refer to species. In other words, when a mycology classifies it as a specific strain or species.
To summarize, isolated refers to the act of isolating and finding a fungus from a body sample, while strain means the type of fungus. Correct. "Strain" actually means a sample or isolate identified by a unique number such as ATCC. Probably each of these factors is unique if examined more carefully. However, this term does not have a specific position in the scientific classification hierarchy.
Disagree - an isolate is a single clone in this case of a fungus - the same as strain. Either can be taken to species. An isolate of x fungus or a strain of x fungus. in ATCC carries a unique numeric/alphanumeric designation. Strain has no specific taxonomic meaning however one uses it.
Dear Vahid Oladzad Vahid and Phil Geis Phil, thank you both for your explanation! It is clear to me now there is much work to be done and how to approach it properly.
Studying mushrooms on your own is really difficult because there is great variability within the same species, the best thing is to attend basic mycology courses and join a mycological association and study a lot in the books and handouts that they will recommend, at least 5 years to be able to identify any mushroom with certainty with the naked eye. If you want to recognize more, then you will have to dedicate yourself to microscopy. Mycology is a difficult and complex subject, you won't get anywhere alone.
Dear Claudio, thank you for your reply. Well noted. I will try to attend courses whenever there is an opportunity.
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