Delignification by wood-decay fungi

Wood decay fungi are unique in their ability to decompose lignified cell walls. Patterns of delignification are noted, and factors influencing delignification examined. Of the 1600-1700 species of North American wood-rotting fungi, 94% are white-rotters. White-rot fungi may cause a simultaneous type of attack that degrades all wood cell components, but some can selectively remove lignin leaving large concentrations of cellulose. -P.J.Jarvis