Audrey Gilmour: Fungi (Bioblitz lab 5- Irpex lacteus)
Irpex lacteus is typically found growing on dead wood, causing white-rot. Indeed, White-rot fungi play an important role in turnover of organic matter in ecosystems because they efficiently break down lignin using extracellular ligninolytic enzymes. This species, characterized by its remarkable resistance to pollutant toxicity and its biodegradation capabilities, has the potential to be used in bioremediation of contaminated soils and waters (that have been contaminated with synthetic dyes or endocrine disruptors, for example). Irpex lacteus can also be used by humans in the testing of chemical and biological wood preservatives because it is wood-decay fungus.