Response to Salt Stress of the Halotolerant Filamentous Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum P13
Scientists studied a special salt-loving fungus called Penicillium chrysogenum P13 that can survive in very salty environments like salt lakes. When exposed to high salt levels, the fungus activates protective mechanisms including special enzymes that neutralize harmful cellular damage. The research shows that the fungus handles salt stress by producing more of its own antioxidants and storing special compounds that protect its cells.