FUNGI Basic Characteristics o Fungi are heterotrophs that

FUNGI

Basic Characteristics o Fungi are heterotrophs that absorb their food. o Fungal cell walls are made of chitin. o Fungi are multicellular organisms, with the exception of yeasts.

Inside of a Fungus

FUNGI o 3 phyla: 1. Zygomycota 2. Basidiomycota 3. Ascomycota

ASCOMYCOTA characteristics o Ascocarp – cuplike structure from which ascospores are released

ASCOMYCOTA characteristics o “sac fungi” – sacs (asci) within ascocarp

ASCOMYCOTA examples o Brewer’s & baker’s yeast o Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ASCOMYCOTA examples o morels

ASCOMYCOTA examples o truffles

ASCOMYCOTA reproduction o Asexual – conidia, budding o Sexual – asci produce ascospores

ASCOMYCOTA reproduction

BASIDIOMYCOTA characteristics o Basidiocarp aboveground structure consisting of a stalk & cap with rows of gills radiating out from the center

BASIDIOMYCOTA characteristics o “club fungi” – clublike basidia

BASIDIOMYCOTA examples o mushrooms

BASIDIOMYCOTA examples o Jelly fungi

BASIDIOMYCOTA examples o Puffballs

BASIDIOMYCOTA examples o Bracket fungi

BASIDIOMYCOTA reproduction o Asexual – rare o Sexual – basidia produce basidiospores

BASIDIOMYCOTA reproduction

ZYGOMYCOTA characteristics o Mostly terrestrial found primarily in soil rich in organic matter

ZYGOMYCOTA examples o Bread mold (Rhizopus) o Penicillium species

ZYGOMYCOTA reproduction

ZYGOMYCOTA reproduction o Asexual sporangiospores o Sexual – conjugation results in zygospores

Reproduction o Most fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually. n Yeasts reproduce asexually through budding. n Fungi reproduce sexually by producing spores. (Look back at different phyla).

Fungi may be decomposers, pathogens, or mutualists. o Fungi and bacteria are the main decomposers in any ecosystem. n decompose dead leaves, twigs, logs, and animals n return nutrients to the soil n can damage fruit trees and wooden structures

Fungi can act as pathogens. n human diseases include ringworm and athlete’s foot n plant diseases include Dutch elm disease n Mold spores n Attack crops (corn)

Fungi can act as mutualists. - lichens form between fungi and algae - mycorrhizae form between fungi and plants

Benefits/Advantages o Production of antibiotics – penicillin, cephalosporin o Yeast is used to produce ethanol, a main ingredient in the automobile fuel gasohol

Benefits o Used in food industry: n Mushrooms used as food – Agaricus (white button), shiitake, portabella, truffles, morels n Cheeses – blue, brie n Beer, wine – yeast used in fermentation n Soy products – miso, soy sauce, tofu n Breads – yeast causes bread to rise

Benefits o Many are decomposers – cycle matter & nutrients in the ecosystem

Disadvantages o Mold spores can cause mild to severe allergies – sniffling, sneezing, & respiratory distress o Attack food crops – corn, beans, onions, squashes, tomatoes o Cause skin infections – athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, vaginal yeast infection o Can be poisonous n Amanita (“death angel” or “destroying angel”) can destroy the liver within 1 week n Aspergillus produce aflatoxins – poisons that cause liver cancer