Fungi

Characteristics of Fungi

• Mycology- study of fungi• Eukaryotic  • Heterotrophic decomposers• Multicellular except yeast

(unicellular)• Lack true roots, stems, &

leaves • Reproduce by sexual &

asexual spores • Warm, moist environments

(shade)

Recent molecular evidence suggests fungi are closely related to animals than to the plants.

StructureDraw this in your notes

Hyphae and MyceliumHypha

Mycelium

Multi vs Unicellular

Yeast- unicellular

No hyphaeMulticellular- fungi is composed of

hyphae

Classification

• Fungi are classified according to structures used during reproduction

Cup Fungi

Club Fungi

Thread-Like

Fungus Reproduction

• Asexual (identical clones) and Sexual

Asexual• Reproductive cells divide to

form spores.• Spores –cells with dehydrated

cytoplasm & a protective coat capable of developing into new individuals – Wind, animals, water, &

insects spread spores – When spore lands on moist

surface, new hyphae form an identical parent.

• Budding – (a small yeast cell

grows from the body of a fungus. Eventually breaks away. Cycle repeats)

Sexual

• Sexual– Hyphae of two fungi

grow together and genetic material is exchanged. New structure grows from joined hyphae

How do they Eat?

• Absorptive heterotrophs– fungus grow hyphae into a

food source. – Digestive juices ooze from the

tips of the hyphae. – These juices break down the

food. – The hyphae then absorb the

dissolved food • Some fungi

– break down decaying organisms.– live as parasites on other living

organisms (athlete's foot)

Ecological Roles

• Lichens– a symbiotic relationship

between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, usually algae

• The fungi hyphae provide protection and hold moisture while food is provided by the photosynthetic partner.

– Can be used as pollution indicators

• retain and accumulate nutrients from air and rainfall-heavy metals, sulfur, radioactive elements, NO2, and ozone Do you know what

“symbiotic” means?

Ecological Roles cont…

• Mycorrhizae: – a symbiotic relationship

between a fungus and plant roots.

• Over 90% of plants have fungi associated with their roots.

• Fungus absorbs and concentrates phosphates for delivery to the plant roots. In return, the fungus receives sugars synthesized by the plant during photosynthesis

Economic Role

• Used directly as food…– mushrooms

• …or to make food– Cheeses (Blue Cheese)– wine, beer, and whiskey (Yeast)– bread rise– soy sauce from soy beans

• Used to break down materials and recycle wastes and dead organisms

• Used to make certain drugs (ex. Penicillin)

Harmful Fungus

• Food spoilage• Plant disease such as

rusts and smuts• Human diseases (ring

worm athlete’s foot)• Destroy leather,

fabrics, plastics, etc. In athlete’s foot, hyphae actually penetrate the skin and grow through the cells.This is why you can’t scrape the fungus off your foot.