Eumycophyta Elizabeth Shin Basics Phylum in Kingdom Fungi

Eumycophyta Elizabeth Shin

Basics �Phylum in Kingdom Fungi � 47, 000 species �True fungi �Monophyletic group – share a common ancestor �This fungal group is distinct from the structurally similar myxomycetes (slime molds) and oomycetes (water molds).

Characteristics �All are eukaryotic �Mostly filamentous – composed of individual microscopic filaments called hyphae, which branch to form a network of hyphae called a mycelium. �Some unicellular �Surrounded by a rigid wall composed primarily of chitin and glucans, although some species contain cellulose

Characteristics (cont. ) �Many reproduce both sexually and asexually, resulting in the production of spores �Nuclei mostly haploid, some diploid �Achlorophyllous – lack chlorophyll pigments and incapable of photosynthesis �All chemoheterotrophic – use energy from chemical reactions to synthesize the organic compounds they require for growth and energy �May be free-living or may form mutualistic or symbiotic relationship with other organisms

Classification �Perfect fungi – those which reproduce sexually �Imperfect fungi – those which do not reproduce sexually

Classes �True fungi (Eumycophyta) are divided into 1. 2. 3. 4. groups based on the type of spores they produce. Phycomycetes – spores in stalked spore cases Ascomycetes - spores enclosed in sacs Basidiomycetes - spores on a club-shaped structure called a basidium Deuteromycetes – imperfect fungi

Examples � Ascomycetes Yeast � Basidiomycetes Mushrooms

Examples (cont. ) � Phycomycetes Rhizopus nigricans � Deuteromycetes Ulocladium