Lactone Formation in Yeast and Fungi

International audienceLactones are important secondary metabolites for fungi. In this chapter are presented some lactones that are important in biotechnology such as flavoring lactones or fragrance macrocyclic musk compounds, whereas others are important for quorum sensing and health (mycotoxins). Different pathways or enzymes can give rise to lactones, and the pathways going through β-oxidation and ω-oxidation and the fungal polyketide pathway (relatively similar to the fatty acid synthesis pathway) are presented as well as the activity of Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenases and lactonases and their potential use in biotechnology

Measuring sedimentation in tidal marshes:a review on methods and their applicability in biogeomorphological studies

<p>It is increasingly recognised that interactions between geomorphological and biotic processes control the functioning of many ecosystem types as described e.g. by the ecological theory of ecosystem engineering. Consequently, the need for specific bio-geomorphological research methods is growing recently. Much research on bio-geomorphological processes is done in coastal marshes. These areas provide clear examples of ecosystem engineering as well as other bio-geomorphological processes: Marsh vegetation slows down tidal currents and hence stimulates the process of sedimentation, while vice versa, the sedimentation controls ecological processes like vegetation succession. This review is meant to give insights in the various available methods to measure sedimentation, with special attention to their suitability to quantify bio-geomorphological interactions. The choice of method used to measure sedimentation is important to obtain the correct parameters to understand the biogeomorphology of tidal salt marshes. This review, therefore, aims to be a tool for decision making regarding the processes to be measured and the methods to be used. We, subdivide the methods into those measuring suspended sediment concentration (A), sediment deposition (B), accretion (C) and surface-elevation change (D). With this review, we would like to further encourage interdisciplinary studies in the fields of ecology and geomorphology.</p>