Kingdom Fungi

What is a fungus? -Multi-cellular organisms, (except yeast, (single celled) -Heterotrophs, decomposer -Chitin cell wall -Immobile

Fungus Structure -hyphae- thread like filaments that grow out for anchoring, feeding, or reproduction. -some hyphae have dividers in them called septa -Hyphae grow into a network of filaments called a mycelium.

Fungus Feeding -Feeding hyphae secrete digestive enzymes onto the food source -Once the food is broken down (decomposed) the hyphae then absorb the food through diffusion

3 types of heterotrophs saprophytes (decomposers), mutualist, parasites - Parasitic and Mutualistic fungi have specialized hyphae called haustoria that obtain nutrients from their host.

Fungus Reproduction -fungi spend most of their lives haploid -fragmentation- asexual- pieces of hyphae are broken off redistributed and grow somewhere else. (like when you dig).

Fungus Reproduction Budding – asexual – mitosis occurs, the new cell pinches off from the parent

Fungus Reproduction Spores- asexual or sexual, specialized hyphae grow into a spore producing structure called a sporangium or fruiting body(visible part of the fungus) Spore advantages- can lay dormant, large numbers, easy to disperse,

Fungus Types: Mold -Multi-celled -no septa - decomposer, parasite -Sexual or asexual -Ex. Bread mold

Sac fungi -multi-celled (except yeast) -Have septa -decomposer -Asexual or sexual -yeast, cup fungi, truffles, mildew -spores called conidia.

Club fungi -multi-cellular -Have septa -decomposer -only sexually reproduction -ex. mushrooms, puffballs, stink horns

Mutualistic Fungi -Mycorrihiza- a fungus living with a plant root -Lichens – a fungus and a green algae -Several Ant species farm fungi.

Fungus Pros and Cons Pros- (penicillin, foods, decomposition, pesticide, alcohol) Cons- parasitic (Athletes foot, jock itch, ring worm, yeast infection)