Fungi – Eukaryote, Heterotrophic Structure (for the majority): – Network of fine filaments called hyphae  loose branching network of hyphae called mycelium See Fig text p. 450  Differences in the structure of hyphae

fungi were once members of the plant kingdom some similarities include: cells are eukaryotic (true nucleus with many organelles). most are stationary, anchored in the soil reproduction can be asexual, sexual or both.

However, fungi have evolved in a different direction from plants: PlantsFungi Have one nucleus per cellOften have many nuclei per cell autotrophs (have chlorophyll)heterotrophs Starch is the main storage moleculeHave few or no storage molecules Most have rootsNo roots Cellulose in cell wallsChitin in cell walls (like insects) Most reproduce by seedNone reproduce by seed

Other Fungal Characteristics Fungi are haploid for most of their life cycle, becoming diploid only for the purpose of meiosis. Fungi are non-vascular: they have no internal pipes to distribute nutrients Fungi have a cell wall, like plants do, but it is composed of chitin, the same material that covers insects. Fungi reproduce by means of spores, which can be sexual (the products of meiosis) or asexual (the products of mitosis). Each group of fungi has a unique set of spores. Asexual reproduction is more common than sexual. Classically, the fungi were classified into the yeasts (which are unicellular) and the molds (which have a mat of fibers called hyphae as the main body of the organism). Recent DNA-based studies show that fungi are more similar to animals than to plants.

Major Phyla of Fungi Zygospore fungi – eg. bread moulds Club fungi – eg. puffballs, mushrooms Imperfect fungi – eg. Penicillium, in Blue cheese Sac fungi – eg. truffles, yeast

How do Fungi Feed? – Most saprophytic (breaks down dead matter)  uses extracellular digestion – Some parasitic (see Fig text p. 451)  eg. athlete’s food, ringworm  specialized to feed on living cells (hyphae called haustoria - “to drink” ) Symbiotic fungi (mutual benefit)  most trees have fungi living in close contact with roots (mycorrhiza) – Fungi absorbs nutrients from soil and transfers to roots – Fungi benefits by absorbing nutrients from plants  some live with algae/cyanobacteria (lichens – often seen on tree trunks) – Fungi provide algae/photosynthetic bacteria with H 2 O and CO 2 – Algae/cyanobacteria provides nutrients for fungi

How Fungi Reproduce Can reproduce asexually and sexually Fragmentation – Asexual  pieces of hyphae break off and grow into new mycelia Spore Formation - Asexual  produced by mitosis OR - Sexual  produced by meiosis Spores: windblown reproductive cells for dispersal to new locations  produced in large numbers Note: sexual reproduction used during unfavorable conditions

Negative Roles of Fungus: crop parasites (corn smut) – fungi cause a lot of damage to crops each year foot fungus – athletes foot caused by Trichyphyton sp

nnel/ultimate-factories/videos/the-magic- ingredient/channel.nationalgeographic.com/cha nnel/ultimate-factories/videos/the-magic- ingredient

Positive Roles of Fungus: decomposers (or recyclers) of nutrients in ecosystems. vital component of many foods (blue cheese, mushrooms, baking and brewing (yeast). antibiotics (penicillin) Lichens act as air quality monitors by absorbing toxins in the soil and the air. Yeast

Seatwork/HW: Read text p  Answer questions #2, 3, 4 and 6 on p. 458