The fungi are one of the great groups of living organisms, comparable in numbers of species, diversity and ecological significance with animals, plants, protists and bacteria. This textbook deals with all fundamental and applied aspects of mycology, illustrated by reference to well studied species from major fungal groups. Since the publication of the first edition of "The Fungi", there have been many important advances in the field of mycology. This second up-to-date edition has been revised and substantially expanded, and incorporates the application of methods of molecular biology, especially DNA technology to mycology. It includes features such as: a question and answer section at the end of each chapter; modern classification based on Molecular phylogeny; details of the recent increased understanding of the organelles and processes involved in hyphal growth, and new molecular understanding of mating type genes; the latest on molecular recognition in the infection process; the use of DNA technology in engineering plant resistance to fungal diseases; new section on medical mycology; fungal mycology in animals; and the latest on the use of genetically manipulated fungi to produce products earlier obtained from mammals.