Question

Name any two species of the fungus, which are used in the production of the antibiotics.

Answer 1

Hint: A fungus that widely exists in the environment and is often non-pathogenic to humans is the source of antibiotics. It belongs to the genus of ascomycetous fungi.

Complete solution:
The chemical agents used in the treatment and the prevention of diseases caused by bacteria and parasites in microorganisms, such as bacteria and pathogens, are known as antibiotics. They can either kill or prevent the growth of bacteria.

Popular fungal species used in antibiotic production are:
1. The source of penicillin, Penicillium notatum.
2. The origin of cephalosporin is Cephalosporin acremonium.

Additional Information:
Cephalosporins are bactericidal and are less susceptible to β-lactamases than other β-lactam (e.g., penicillins). The synthesis of the peptidoglycan layer forming the bacterial cell wall is interrupted by cephalosporins.

The activity of enzymes necessary to connect peptidoglycans into bacterial cell walls is inhibited by the penicillin, which is the final step in the biosynthesis of cell walls. This is achieved by linking the beta-lactam-ring, a structure found on penicillin molecules, to penicillin binding proteins. When a bacterium divides in the presence of penicillin, the "holes" left in its cell wall cannot be filled due to lack of crosslinking.

Cephalosporins and penicillins share a similar ring of beta-lactam. It is widely reported that at least 10 % of patients who are allergic to penicillin may have an adverse reaction to cephalosporins.

Note:
Penicillium notatum and Cephalosporin acremonium are the two species of fungus that serve as source of penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics respectively.