E-Mail IMAGE: A team led by the University of Tsukuba has found key differences that explain why some species of fungi can grow successfully through tiny gaps, whereas other fungi--typically those with... view more Credit: University of Tsukuba Tsukuba, Japan - Fungi are a vital part of nature's recycling system of decay and decomposition. Filamentous fungi spread over and penetrate surfaces by extending fine threads known as hyphae. Fungi that cause disease within living organisms can penetrate the spaces between tightly connected plant or animal cells, but how their hyphae do this, and why the hyphae of other fungal species do not, has been unclear.