Recent Developments in the Molecular Taxonomy of Fungi -- Sordaria macrospora, a Model System for Fungal Development -- Inteins - Selfish Elements in Fungal Genomes -- Apoptosis in Fungal Development and Ageing -- Communication of Fungi on Individual, Species, Kingdom, and Above Kingdom Levels -- Yeast Killer Toxins: Fundamentals and Applications -- Evolutionary and Ecological Interactions of Mould and Insects -- Endophytic Fungi, Occurrence and Metabolites -- Fungal Origin of Ergoline Alkaloids Present in Dicotyledonous Plants (Convolvulaceae) -- Secondary Metabolites of Basidiomycetes -- Identification of Fungicide Targets in Pathogenic Fungi -- Helminth Electron Transport Inhibitors Produced by Fungi -- Cyclic Peptides and Depsipeptides from Fungi -- Fungal Genome Mining and Activation of Silent Gene Clusters -- Non-Ribosomal Peptide Synthetases of Fungi -- Biosynthesis of Fungal Polyketides -- Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis -- Genetic and Metabolic Engineering in Filamentous Fungi. In the last decade the discipline of mycology has been substantially changed by new research technologies. In particular DNA-based tools for the investigation of fungal taxonomy, signal transduction and regulation, and biosynthetic potential have accelerated advances in mycological knowledge. This volume presents a selection of exciting issues on basic and applied aspects of fungal physiology and genetics. In 18 chapters renowned experts provide an overview of traditional as well as current and future aspects of potential application of fungi in biotechnology. The contributions can be used by scientists to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in the corresponding research area, and by students to familiarize themselves with the different topics.