Fungi Distinguishing Characteristics Entirely eukaryotic heterotrophic Some fungi

Fungi

Distinguishing Characteristics ► Entirely eukaryotic & heterotrophic ► Some fungi are unicellular ► Most are multi-cellular ► Multi-cellular representatives are twisted masses = mycelium, made up of chains of single cells called hyphae ► The mycelium of a fungus is actually hidden underground. ► Fungal cells have cell walls (made of chitin) just like plant cells, but they do not have chlorophyll & thus do NOT photosynthesize ► Many are decomposers but some are parasitic ► Classified based on their shape & how they reproduce ► Live in moist, shady areas

Method of Nutrition ► Completely heterotrophic ► But they do not engulf or catch their meals ► Fungi must live on or near their food supply ► Secrete digestive enzymes (chemicals) to breakdown their food source so that they can absorb the nutrients

Method of Reproduction ► Asexual ~ 1) breaking apart of hyphae 2) a few by budding or binary fission ► Sexual ~ sex cells combine to produce sexual spores that are spread by wind, water, or animals to a new area and then a new fungus can grow

The Good & the Bad §Major decomposers §Used in food making §Symbiotic relationships with plants – mycorrhiza, the plant gets proper root functioning while the fungus gets protection/nutrition §Parasitic §Disease & illness in humans Epidermophyton rubrum = “Ringworm” Tinea podias = “Athlete’s Foot”

Examples & Pictures Sac Fungi ~ largest group. Includes: yeasts, powdery mildews, truffles, morels. Threadlike Fungi ~ most of the individuals in this group are decomposers, some are parasites. Includes: black molds, dung fungi, Morchella esculenta & bread molds Rhizopus stolonifer Tuber magnatum

More Examples & Pictures Club Fungi ~ the umbrella shaped mushrooms. Includes: rusts, smuts, and puffballs Imperfect Fungi ~ all of these fungi reproduce asexually (usually via a host) because most are parasites. Exception – Penicillium & those used in food making Ustilago maydis Parasitic Examples: Tinea poidas = “athlete’s foot” & “ringworm” * Lichens ~ symbiotic relationship between a fungus & an algae. Important for the break down of rocks and minerals & thus the production of soil! Epidermophyton rubrum = “ ringworm” Staurothele clopima