Preface

Fungi are eukaryotes that present as pathogens, parasites, and symbionts in the ecosystem. There are more than tens of thousands of fungal species described. Chapter 1 of this book provides an overview of fungi reproduction, pathology, and the unique features that allow fungi to survive in diverse ecosystems. Chapter 2 discusses fungal mycotoxicity and pathogenicity and the suitable environmental conditions necessary for fungi to thrive. In favorable conditions, fungi produce mycotoxins that pose a challenge to the agriculture industry, hence prevention and control measures are needed. Fungi are also found in marine habitats, albeit in low numbers. Marine fungi are the key component of the sponges' natural diet. Chapter 3 examines the development and growth demand of fungi. This study enables a greater understanding of fungi and how to take precautions against these organisms. Chapter 4 describes how fungi are detected by the host's major pattern recognition receptors and the mechanisms that fungi use to escape the host's immune response. The majority of fungi are non-motile; therefore, it is important to explore the evolution of fungi mating mechanisms. Chapter 5 discusses fungal hormones/pheromones such as sirenin, trisporic acid, antheridiol, oogoniol, and peptide hormones. Chapter 6 examines how arbuscular mycorrhizae facilitate host plants to grow vigorously under stressful conditions. The final chapter deals with several abiotic and biotic factors that affect the growth of keratinophilic fungus and the substrates that could potentially function as growth promoters in this process. Finally, Chapter 7 explores marine sponge-associated fungi and their secondary metabolites as therapeutic agents depending on their bioactive properties. However, these fungi species are also associated with a wide spectrum of diseases, including HIV, cancer, and others.

 This book provides readers with an in-depth understanding of fungi diversity and the role of fungi in the ecosystem.

> **Sadia Sultan and Gurmeet Kaur Surindar Singh** Faculty of Pharmacy (UiTM), Bandar Puncak Alam, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
