Ancient Fungi Captured in Amber

Fungi are ubiquitous organisms such as saprophytes, parasites and inquilines on dead plants and animals. The roles they play in our lives are substantial. Not only do they break down organic matter in the environment and are widespread parasites of plants and animals, including our own bodies, but they are important food items and components of fermentation in many industrial processes. Last but not least, they produce antibiotic drugs like Penicillin and are involved in the production of lysergic drugs such as acid diethylamide (LSD) which is synthesized from an Ergot fungus alkaloid.