Biology: Does radioactivity help fungi to grow?

In summary: Earth, as long as there is a source of energyIn summary, according to the article, radiation helps fungi to grow. However, this is not the only way that life can use radiation. Life on Earth can also live off of cosmic rays, provided that there is a source of energy.
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watch this
 
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radioactivity only mutate fungi
 
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but it may be true i don't really know
 
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There is precedence for life using the energy from radiation indirectly:
Most life on Earth's surface takes in the energy it needs through one of two processes. Plants, some bacteria, and certain other organisms collect energy from sunlight through a process called photosynthesis. In it, they use the energy from light to convert water and carbon dioxide into more complex and energetic molecules called hydrocarbons, thus storing the energy so that it can be recovered later by breaking down the molecules through a process called oxidation. Alternatively, animals and other organisms simply feed off of plants, one another, etc., to steal the energy already stored in living things.

D. audaxviator takes a third path: It draws its energy from the radioactivity of uranium in the rock in the mine. The radiation from decaying uranium nuclei breaks apart sulfur and water molecules in the stone, producing molecular fragments such as sulfate and hydrogen peroxide that are excited with internal energy. The microbe then takes in these molecules, siphons off their energy, and spits them back out. Most of the energy produced from this process powers the bacterium’s reproduction and internal processes, but a portion of it also goes to repairing damage from the radiation.
http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2016/10/alien-life-could-feed-cosmic-rays

Essentially, the radiation would create high-energy molecules in the environment which life could then feed on and use for fuel and nutrients. Based on these observations, researchers have speculated that life could potentially live off of cosmic rays elsewhere in the universe: http://rsif.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/13/123/20160459
 
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oh yee i fogot about it
 

1. How does radioactivity affect fungi growth?

Radioactivity can have both positive and negative effects on fungi growth. In some cases, exposure to low levels of radiation can stimulate fungal growth and increase the production of spores. However, high levels of radiation can be harmful to fungi and can lead to mutations and cell damage, resulting in reduced growth and reproduction.

2. Can radioactivity be used to control fungal infections?

Yes, radioactivity can be used as a treatment for fungal infections. The radiation damages the DNA of the fungi, preventing them from reproducing and causing the infection to clear up. However, this method is not commonly used due to the potential risks and side effects of radiation exposure.

3. Are there any types of fungi that are more resistant to radioactivity?

Yes, some fungi have been found to be more resistant to radiation than others. For example, species of black yeast and some extremophilic fungi have been found to thrive in highly radioactive environments. These fungi have adapted mechanisms to repair DNA damage caused by radiation, allowing them to survive and even grow in these conditions.

4. Can exposure to radioactive fungi be harmful to humans?

Yes, exposure to radioactive fungi can be harmful to humans. Ingestion or inhalation of radioactive spores or fragments of fungi can lead to radiation sickness, DNA damage, and an increased risk of cancer. It is important to avoid contact with radioactive fungi and follow proper safety precautions when working with them.

5. How does radioactivity affect the ecosystem of fungi?

Radioactivity can have significant impacts on the ecosystem of fungi. In areas with high levels of radiation, the diversity and abundance of fungi may be reduced, as some species are more sensitive to radiation than others. This can lead to imbalances in the ecosystem and affect other organisms that rely on fungi for food or other symbiotic relationships.

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