When subjected to 'activating' plasmolytic treatments, several Ascomycetes exhibit an enzymic activity which degrades 1,4-alpha-D-glucans to 1,5-D-anhydrofructose, then converts this sugar to ascopyrone P (in Pezizales) or ascopyrone T (in Tuberales). Biogenetical, mycological and practical implications of these bioconversions are discussed.