Mycotoxins, Producing Fungi, Types and Properties

Fungi synthesizes some of the strongest toxins which can be classified under different classes. Fungi produces these chemicals known as fungal toxins under the right conditions. These toxins are not useful to the reproduction or growth of fungus, and they are extremely toxic to humans, animals and plants. This is a serious concern for human and animal health when it comes to agricultural commodities. The species of fungi that produce the most toxins are Alternaria, Fusarium and Penicillium. The most important fungal toxins are alternariol, AAL-toxins, moniliformin, fusaric acid, fumonisins, citrinin and aflatoxins. These toxins cause major agricultural losses, food damage and are very fatal to biological systems. This paper will look into toxigenic fungi, their characteristics and the effects they have on biological systems.