Die Zellwand der Pilze als Korsett

Form follows function: The fungal cell wall as a support structure Within the domain of Eukarya, the fungi form a seperate kingdom. The typical formation of branched mycelia from single hyphae is based on cell wall production at the growing hyphal tip. There, excretory vesicle fuse with the membrane releasing cell wall synthesis enzymes like chitin synthase forming the polymer of N‐acetyl glucosamin, the backbone of fungal cell walls. In addition, glucan synthases form the structural component β‐1.3‐glucan. Via β‐1,6‐glucan, cell wall proteins can be linked to the maturing cell wall, and α‐1,3‐glucan can form a matrix within the cell wall, but also a slimy matrix secreted into the medium. A layer of hydrophobins allows for growth into the air, but also facilitates formation of macroscopic structures like mushrooms.