Phanerochaete

Phanerochaete is a genus of fungi in the family Phanerochaetaceae of the order Polyporales. Several of the species in this genus are plant pathogens. The genus was circumscribed by Finnish mycologist Petter Karsten in 1889.

This genus includes "white-rot" fungi that are able to degrade lignin to carbon dioxide. This is achieved, in part, by lignin peroxidases and manganese peroxidases. These peroxidases are also able to mediate oxidation of a wide variety of organic pollutants. Recently, the genome of Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been sequenced and shows the genetic potential to make over 100 cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. White rot fungi have been used in bioremediation efforts to break down potentially harmful chemicals in soil and in water. Phenol-formaldehyde is degraded by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium