Protective mechanisms and responses of micro-fungi towards ultraviolet-induced cellular damage

Fungi are microbes that play vital roles in nutrient cycling in natural environments and in symbiotic interactions with plants and other microbes. They thrive successfully even when challenged by various abiotic and biotic stress factors in the natural environment. Their growth, conidia production, survival, germination, pathogenicity, virulence and bioactive compound production can be strongly influenced by exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. Different adaptive mechanisms are used to protect the cells and to maintain DNA integrity, enabling survival of exposure to solar ultraviolet irradiation in natural environments. Counter to these abilities, failure to protect cells against damage induced by ultraviolet radiation can compromise genetic integrity and survival, and alter species composition within the fungal community. We review a large body of work on the biological and environmental factors that influence the protective mechanisms employed by micro-fungi in response to exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation, thereby increasing understanding of adaptive responses in micro-fungi.