Spotlight on Cordyceps A Fungus using Mind Control on Ants

Entering the Ant Cordyceps is a genus of Sac Fungi that is parasitic to insectsCordyceps is a genus of Sac Fungi that is parasitic to insects Cordyceps spores attach to the exoskeleton of the ant and begin to grow into hyphaeCordyceps spores attach to the exoskeleton of the ant and begin to grow into hyphae Hyphae grow into the ant’s body through openings called spiracles that lead into the tubules (trachea) of the ant’s respiratory systemHyphae grow into the ant’s body through openings called spiracles that lead into the tubules (trachea) of the ant’s respiratory system

Growth and Control of Ant Behavior Inside the ant, hyphae grow into a mycelium, digesting and absorbing some of the soft tissues but sparing the ant’s organsInside the ant, hyphae grow into a mycelium, digesting and absorbing some of the soft tissues but sparing the ant’s organs When ready to produce spores, the fungus grows into the ant’s brain and interferes with its response to pheromones, chemicals released for communication between antsWhen ready to produce spores, the fungus grows into the ant’s brain and interferes with its response to pheromones, chemicals released for communication between ants If the odd behavior of an infected ant is recognized, another ant can carry it far away from the nest area and discard itIf the odd behavior of an infected ant is recognized, another ant can carry it far away from the nest area and discard it If undetected, the fungus-infested ant climbs up a plant to a leaf of a specific height and attaches securely by its mandibles (appendages near the mouth), to a region near one of the leaf’s veinsIf undetected, the fungus-infested ant climbs up a plant to a leaf of a specific height and attaches securely by its mandibles (appendages near the mouth), to a region near one of the leaf’s veins

Spore Production and Distribution Fungal growth continues inside to stabilize the ant’s exoskeleton and outside to strengthen attachment to the leaf. The fungus also produces antimicrobial substances to repel competitors.Fungal growth continues inside to stabilize the ant’s exoskeleton and outside to strengthen attachment to the leaf. The fungus also produces antimicrobial substances to repel competitors. The fungal growth destroys the ant’s brain and a fruiting body grows out of the ant’s headThe fungal growth destroys the ant’s brain and a fruiting body grows out of the ant’s head The fruiting body releases spores, first by asexual reproduction but later by sexual reproductionThe fruiting body releases spores, first by asexual reproduction but later by sexual reproduction Studies have shown that the position of the ant on the underside of leaves of a certain height gives ideal conditions of temperature and humidity for fungal growth and spore productionStudies have shown that the position of the ant on the underside of leaves of a certain height gives ideal conditions of temperature and humidity for fungal growth and spore production

Benefits? Consider the ecological balance between ant and fungus population sizesConsider the ecological balance between ant and fungus population sizes Consider whether the fungus can produce any beneficial substancesConsider whether the fungus can produce any beneficial substances –Cordycepin is chemically similar to adenosine and shows promise as a possible anti-tumor, anti-fungal and anti-viral drug

Questions to Answer 1.To which group of fungi does Cordyceps belong? 2.What part of the fungus first reaches the ant? 3.Which part of the fungal body plan grows within the body of the ant? 4.Interference with which type of chemical signal causes the ant to climb a plant and attach to a leaf?

Questions to Answer 5.What do uninfected ants do when encountering an infected ant? 6.What part of the body plan of the fungus grows from the ant’s head? 7.Are spores produced by mitosis or meiosis? 8.What are the current and future beneficial effects to be gained from Cordyceps?