Fungi General Characteristics March 30 th 2016

Learning Objectives  Identify the general characteristics of Kingdom Fungi  General Structure(s)  Cell Characteristics  Food Source  Role in the Ecosystem

Draw a “typical fungus”

General Structures  Not the same as mushroom!  Distinguishing characteristic: hyphae  String of cells forming a network

General Structures  Hyphae can be cellular (divided) or acellular (undivided) Divided Separated by cross walls into cells with one or more nuclei Undivided Not separated by cross walls

General Structures  A network of hyphae are called mycelium

General Structures  A network of hyphae are called mycelium

Cellular Characteristics Unicellular or Multicellular? Multicellular (EXCEPT for yeast) Eukaryotic or Prokaryotic? Eukaryotic Cell walls are composed of…? Chitin (EXCEPT for Oomycota – Cellulose)

Role in Ecosystem Where do fungi get their energy from? Organic Sources Main role in ecosystem? Decomposers Parasites Food source Symbionts with Plants

Fungi  Biggest organism in the world is a fungi in blue mountain  2.4 miles plants-have-a-hidden-internet

Fungi in the ecosystem  Release digestive enzymes into the environment that break down food  Fungi are therefore extremely important recyclers of the ecosystem You’re Welcome!

Fungus and People  Athlete’s foot  Water mold in aquarium fish  Ringworm  Moldy foods  Fungus as medicine (e.g. Penicilin)  Potato blight