Hydrophobin

Hydrophobins are a class of small, cysteine rich proteins (~ 100 amino acids) that are expressed only by fungi. They are known for their capability of forming a water-insoluble coating on a surface of an object. They were first discovered and separated in Schizophyllum commune in 1991. Based on differences in hydropathy patterns and biophysical properties, they are divided into two categories:class I and class II.

Fungi make complex aerial structures and spores even in aqueous environments. Hydrophobins coat the spores which means they do not clog together.