If a fungus releases its digestive enzymes outside its body, how does it protect itself from digestion? How do fungi growing nearby protect themselves?
I have tried searching this on google but couldn't get an answer.
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$\begingroup$ Which fungi secret proteases? $\endgroup$– Chris ♦Apr 8, 2014 at 18:17
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$\begingroup$ usually they do not, but rather ingest via clathrin coated pits I think. then the proteases are found in a compartment called the proteome. $\endgroup$– shigetaApr 8, 2014 at 19:12
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$\begingroup$ I think you mean the proteasome. $\endgroup$– Chris ♦Apr 8, 2014 at 19:39
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$\begingroup$ You would also be interested in fungal autolysis or self digestion. Please refer to the paper "The autolysis of industrial filamentous fungi." PMID: 11958333 $\endgroup$– The Last WordMay 7, 2014 at 5:20
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1 Answer
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In general fungal cell walls are resistant to whatever enzymes or compounds they are excreting to break material down for consumption. Conceptually, it is a little like your stomach lining being resistant to stomach acid. For a more detailed answer you may have to head over to your local university and find a Mycologist.
There is ongoing research on how fungi actually "eat." You can look up fungal endocytosis if you wish to research it more. There may be other mechanisms as Shigeta mentions.