Question

What is the application of Trichoderma polysporum?

Answer 1

Hint: Trichoderma polysporum is a genus belonging to the class under the Kingdom Fungi. This is the most culturable fungi which is grown in all types of soils. It forms endophytic symbiotic relationships with various species of plants. It is a saprophyte and thus is adapted to grow in diverse environmental conditions.

Complete answer:
The different species of Trichoderma have a variety of applications in different fields. Various species of Trichoderma are used as biocontrol agents against many fungal diseases of plants. It also helps in the growth of plants. The species that act as biocontrol agents grow on the surface of roots and hence prevent the plants from many root diseases. Some of the Trichoderma species have medicinal and industrial applications. They produce a variety of enzymes as they thrive in a variety of habitats. For example- Cellulase and hemicellulase is produced from Trichoderma reesei. In medicine, a calcineurin inhibitor called cyclosporine A is produced by the fungi Trichoderma polysporum.
The Trichoderma polysporum fungi is used to produce an immunosuppressive drug. With the help of the fermentation process cyclosporin A is produced by the Trichoderma polysporum. Cyclosporin A drug acts as a good immune suppressor. It prevents the immune response produced by T-cells. The intake of drugs within the body is by mouth or through injection. The rejection of liver, heart and kidney transplantation is prevented by this immunosuppressant. This is the first immunosuppressant that has the least side effects. The doctor prescribes the cyclosporine A drug to the patients that have undergone organ transplantation to prevent graft rejection.

Note:
Our body has the ability to differentiate between the self and non-self cells. During organ transplantation, the patients are given immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the risk of rejection. These drugs prevent the attack of the immune system on grafted parts. Tacrolimus is another example of an immunosuppressive drug.