Researchers at the University of California, Riverside collected fungi from seven wildfire burn sites across California over five years. They sequenced fungal genomes and tested some fungal isolates with charcoal to see how they respond to burned material.
The study found both genetic and physical ways fungi survive and use charcoal. Some fungi copy genes to make enzymes that digest char. Others mix genes by mating. Some form heat-resistant structures underground and others grow fast when competitors are gone. These abilities could be useful to clean polluted soil or help restore burned landscapes.
Difficult words
- fungus — a living organism such as mold or mushroomfungi
- genome — all genetic material in an organismgenomes
- charcoal — black carbon material from burned wood
- enzyme — a protein that helps chemical reactionsenzymes
- isolate — a single sample taken from an organismisolates
- polluted — dirty and harmful because of chemicals
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen land burned by wildfire? Describe what you saw.
- Would you support using fungi to clean polluted soil? Why or why not?
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