If a fungus releases its digestive enzymes outside its body, how does it protect itself from digestion? How do fungi growing nearby protect themselves?
I have tried searching this on google but couldn't get an answer.
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Which fungi secret proteases? – Chris Apr 08 '14 at 18:17
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usually they do not, but rather ingest via clathrin coated pits I think. then the proteases are found in a compartment called the proteome. – shigeta Apr 08 '14 at 19:12
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I think you mean the proteasome. – Chris Apr 08 '14 at 19:39
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You would also be interested in fungal autolysis or self digestion. Please refer to the paper "The autolysis of industrial filamentous fungi." PMID: 11958333 – The Last Word May 07 '14 at 05:20
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In general fungal cell walls are resistant to whatever enzymes or compounds they are excreting to break material down for consumption. Conceptually, it is a little like your stomach lining being resistant to stomach acid. For a more detailed answer you may have to head over to your local university and find a Mycologist.
There is ongoing research on how fungi actually "eat." You can look up fungal endocytosis if you wish to research it more. There may be other mechanisms as Shigeta mentions.
Beo
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