Biosynthesis and Functions of Fungal Melanins

摘要: Melanins are dark-brown to black pigments found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. These not essential for growth develop­ ment, but rather they enhance the survival competitive abilities of species certain environments. The association melanins with immune responses has been noted plants (13) invertebrates (180, 227, 239, 250). Melanin biosynthesis function have studied most extensively primarily because skin disorders (25,53, 188) malignant melanomas (119). eye inner ear also received considerable attention their interactions drugs (84). synthesis animal melanin from tyrosine by action tyrosinase is proven (52, 175, 270). Tyrosinase, key enzyme synthesis, occurs best characterized common mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) Neurospora crassa (136). Consequently, some researchers hasty conclude that fungal derived tyrosine. importance longevity propagules recognized many years (126, 235). During past ten three additional discoveries increased interest among plant pathologists melanins. First, unique pathways were discovered both Ascomycotina (16) Basidiomycotina (234). Second, investigators a new class fungicides prevent direct penetra­ tion tissue inhibiting appressorial cells (221, 223). Third, phytotoxins shunt products