Cordyceps is a genus of fungus that stands out for being an endoparasite of arthropods (at least most of them). These fungi infect their victims with their spores, keeping the host alive for a certain period.
Some fungi of this group are capable of parasitizing ants, causing changes in their behavior that turn them into real zombies. This group of fungi is also known to be part of traditional Chinese medicine, as is the case with the species Ophiocordyceps sinensis.
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Summary about Cordyceps
Cordyceps It is a genus of fungi.
These fungi belong to the Ascomycota phylum and are currently Cordyceps sensu lato It is divided into four genres.
Cordyceps is mainly known to be an endoparasite of arthropods, such as ants and moth larvae.
One of the best-known interactions occurs between fungi of the complex Ophiocordyceps unilateralissensu latu and ants, which become true zombies after infection.
The incredible ability of these fungi inspired the game The Last of Us.
Cordyceps is also known by the species Ophiocordyceps sinensis, widely used in traditional medicine.
Gender Cordyceps
Cordyceps is a genus of fungi that he does part of the phylum Ascomycota, which, in turn, comprises about 32,300 species. Ascomycetes stand out for forming a saclike reproductive structure called an ascus, in which meiotic (sexual) spores are formed. These spores are known as ascospores, and the asci are found in spore-producing bodies called ascomas.
Regarding gender Cordyceps, recognizemup about 400 species. However, it is important to point out that recent molecular studies have shown that Cordyceps is a polyphyletic group, that is, a group that is formed by species that have two or more distinct ancestors, not having, therefore, only one common ancestor. Cordyceps sensu lato (in the broad sense) is currently breaking down into four genres (Cordyceps s. s., Elaphocordyceps, Metacordyceps It is Ophiocordyceps ), which are distributed in three distinct families.
cordyceps and arthropod parasitism
the fungi Wordyceps, Most of them are endoparasites of arthropods, that is, they are parasites that live inside their bodies invertebrates. These fungi, in general, infect arthropods with their spores, which develop inside the animal. The fungus keeps the host alive and uses it to produce ascomas and ascospores. By producing ascomas and ascospores, the fungus completes the sexual phase of its reproductive cycle and ends up killing the host.
cordyceps It is the zombie ants
Probably the best-known relationship between fungi Wordyceps and arthropods occurs among fungi of the complex Ophiocordyceps unilateralissensu latu and ants, which become true zombies. A fungus contamination occurs by spores that come into direct contact with the external surface of the ant.
O fungus develops inside the ant's body, consuming muscle structures animal. During this time, the ant maintains its activities normally. The fungus continues to develop until it reaches the central nervous system, which occurs about a week or two after infection.
From then on, the ant starts to move differently, showing shaky movements and often falling out of the bushes it tries to climb. This happens due to seizures caused by the fungus. The ant then dies after fixing its mandibles on the side of a leaf or other parts of the plant.
After about one to two weeks of the ant's death, the formation of the ascoma outside the animal's body is observed. The spores are then produced and released into the environment, where they can again infect new ants.
Read too:Dermatophytosis — skin infections caused by fungi
Cordyceps and The Last of Us
The ability of fungi Cordyceps to parasitize arthropods and turn them into true zombies, inspired the game The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog and released for PlayStation platforms. In the game, a variation of the fungus infects humans, turning them into cannibalistic zombies. In 2023, the HBO series based on this famous game will premiere.
cordyceps and traditional medicine
Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Synonyms: cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. It is Sphaeria sinensis Berk.) is a fungus found only in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan Plateau. That parasitic fungus underground moth larvae, mainly the species of Thitarodes.
Although more studies are needed, it is believed that the caterpillar is infected by the fungus shortly after hatching from the egg. The fungus can remain dormant in the caterpillar's body until it is ready to pupate. This moment, due to physiological changes in the animal's body, provides the necessary stimulus for the fungus to develop and the caterpillar to die.
this fungus is well known in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as in traditional Japanese, Korean and Indian medicine. At China, the fungus is sold in packages that contain the larvae and ascoma of the fungus.
The fungus can be consumed in different ways, such as in soups and teas. Your consumption is indicated for problems such as anemia and impotence sexual, which is also known for reinforcing the Immunity, delay the aging process, help in post-surgical recovery and for presenting antitumor action. This fungus is recognized as the most expensive item in Chinese medicine.
As it is a well-known traditional medicine with great economic value, there has been a growing decrease in in the population of these fungi, which suffer not only from excessive collection, but also from other problems, such as climate changes. The species is currently classified by the IUCN as vulnerable.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
