Fungi Fungi l First fungi were probably flagellated

Fungi

Fungi l First fungi were probably flagellated. – First fossils – 480 million years ago (Ordovician Period) – Molecular Clock suggests 1 billion years ago (Precambrian).

General Characteristics l l Primarily terrestrial Filamentous – hyphae ucoenocytic useptate – mycelium – haustoria

Fungal Hyphae

General Characteristics (animal-like) l l l Heterotrophic – absorption (saprobes) – parasitic – mutualistic Cell Wall: Chitin Store sugar as glycogen

Fungal Reproduction Asexual – haploid spores (conidia/sporangia) l Sexual – plasmogamy (dikaryon) – karyogamy (diploid) – Syngamy (diploid) l

Fungal Classification

Division: Chytrids l l l Have flagella Coenocytic hyphae or unicellular Cell wall: chitin Saprobes or parasites May be most primitive fungi

Division: Zygomycetes

Division: Zygomycetes l l Coenocytic Fungi Mostly terrestrial (live on decaying material Example: Rhizopus (Black bread mold) Uses: birth control pills, meat tenderizers, margarine coloring

Division: Glomeromycetes l Arbuscular mycorrhizae – Coenocytic Fungi – Mutualistic - associated with plant roots – increases surface area for the absorption of water and nutrients

Division: Ascomycetes

Divison: Ascomycetes l l Septate fungi (sac fungi) Saprobes, mutualistic Examples: Dutch Elm Disease, yeasts, truffles, some molds Uses: pathogens, food, cooking

Division: Ascomycetes (Deuteromycota) l l Imperfect fungi (no sexual cycle) Examples: Penicillium, Aspergillus, Predatory fungi

Division: Basidiomycetes

Division: Basidiomycetes l l Septate Fungi (Club fungi) Saprobes, parasites, mutualistic Examples: mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, shelf fungi, rusts, smuts Uses: Food

Division: Basidiomycetes l Fairy Rings

Lichen l l Mutualistic association with a green algae or cyanobacteria and an ascomycetes or basidiomycetes Pioneer organisms

Microsporidia l Are they Fungi? – Parasitic u. Loss of organelles u. Tiny organelles derived from mitochondria – Cause disease in people with immune deficiency – Used as pest control

Ecological Impacts l l l Decomposers Pathogens Food Production