Sequenced genome of a fungus that produces biofuels from plants

The fungus Trichoderma reesei optimally breaks down plants into simple sugars, the basic components of ethanol.

The fungus's genome has recently been sequenced by researchers from the Architecture et fonction des macromolécules biologiques laboratory (CNRS/Université de la Méditerranée and Universite de Provence), working together with an American team. The results, published online on the Nature biotechnology (1) website, show that only a few genes are responsible for the fungus's enzymatic activity. They offer new avenues for the fabrication of second generation biofuels from plant waste.

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