Positive benefits of fungi

     Plants benefit from fungi because some fungi settle around the roots of plants.  As the fungus decomposes dead matter around the roots of the plant, it leaves behind nutrients that the plant needs.  Many farmers prefer fungi to other chemical fertilizers to keep improving the environment.They are also known as the best alternatives in the tilling of the soil as they can even alter the structure of the soil.  Fungi fill the in and around the regions of the plant roots with sticky hyphae to protect the plants from disease spreading agents.  They also release antibiotics to destroy the agents if they penetrate through hyphae.  These hyphae grow into the soil and absorb essential nutrients like phosphorous and minerals which are shared with the host plant.  Mycorrhizal fungi which are promoted by fungi help fighting plant -related diseases giving plants higher and better yields.  During the process of decomposing matter, fungi returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.  Green plants use the carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to produce food.  Oxygen is released into the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis, so animal and human life depends on the fungi for survival.   Fungi with antimicrobial and other biological activities can produce wide ranges of natural products which is why they are used in drug manufacturing industries. They are widely used for the production of antibiotics, anti-cancer, vitamins and cholesterol lowering drugs.  Fungi are also used in the production of industrial chemicals which include gluconic, citric, malic and lactic acids and also in biological detergents in the form of lipases.  Recent studies reveal that a type of fungi can be used for degrading pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, coal tars and also heavy fuels into water, carbon dioxide and other basic elements.  Some fungi, like mushrooms, are used as ingredients in recipes. They add flavor to meals.   Special species of fungi are also used to produce alcohol through fermentation.