Penicillium and Acremonium

Abstract

v Foreword Biotechnology is a word that was originally coined to describe the new processes which could be derived from our ability to manipulate, in vitro, the genetic material common to all organisms. I t has now become a generic term encompassing all "applications" of living systems, including the more traditional fermentation and agricultural industries. Recombinant DNA technology has opened up new opportunities for the exploitation of microorganisms and animal and plant cells as producers or modifiers of chemical and biological products.This series of handbooks deals exclusively with microorganisms which are at the forefront of the new technologies and brings together in each of its volumes the background information necessary to appreciate the historical development of the organisms making up a particular genus, the degree to which molecular biology has opened up new opportunities, and the place they occupy in today's biotechnology industry. Our aim was to make this primarily a practical approach, with emphasis on methodology, combining for the first time information which has largely been spread across a wide literature base or only touched upon briefly in review articles. Each handbook should provide the reader with a source text, from which the importance of the genus to his or her work can be identified, and a practical guide to the handling and exploitation of the organisms included.It is perhaps apt that Volume I of the series should deal with a group of organisms involved in producing chemicals which have dominated the fermentation and pharmaceutical industries for the past forty years-the antibiotics. In terms of the degree to which molecular biology has made an impact on this genus to date, it is clear that the major rewards are still to come.

Effect of Sucrose on the Physiology and Terrestric Acid Production of Penicillium Aurantiogriseum

“…Terrestric acid is the least common toxin in Penicillium species (Peberdy, 1987). There are few studies of natural contamination with terrestric acid and its toxicity, and little is known about the factors influencing its production.…”