What are the characteristics of Fungi? Most Multicellular (except yeast: unicellular) Eukaryotes – cells contain a nucleus Heterotrophic – are consumers like animals (eat food) Most are decomposers (recycle) Cell walls composed of chitin

Structures of Fungi Body made of mycelium (grows below ground) Fruiting body- part that reproduces (grows above ground) Mycelium and fruiting body made of hyphae- string-like structures

The Structure of a Mushroom Fruiting body Hyphae Mycelium

III. Growth and Reproduction Most Fungi develop from a spore into a hyphae, then a mycelium Spores are microscopic- they are everywhere! Spores are easily carried by wind or animals When conditions are favorable a fruiting body can grow overnight! Fungi like warm, moist environments Can reproduce sexually or asexually Sexually -Involves 2 mating types (+) and (-)

Production of sex cells Page 534 Figure 21-8 The Life Cycle of a Basidiomycete Fruiting body (N+N) Button + Mating type (N) - Mating type (N) Basidiospores (N) Zygote (2N) Basidia (N + N) Gills lined with basidia Gills Stalk Base Cap FERTILIZATION HYPHAE FUSE Haploid Diploid MEIOSIS Production of sex cells Page 534

How are Fungi classified? Divided into major groups based on structure and reproduction Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black bread mold

Zygomycetes http://mercury. bio. uaf

How are Fungi classified? Divided into major groups based on structure and reproduction Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black bread mold Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast

http://mercury. bio. uaf http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg

How are Fungi classified? Divided into major groups based on structure and reproduction Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black bread mold Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast Basidiomycota- The club fungi ex: mushroom

Basidiomycota http://mercury. bio. uaf

Basidiomycota http://mercury. bio. uaf

How are Fungi classified? Divided into major groups based on structure and reproduction Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black bread mold Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast Basidiomycota- The club fungi ex: mushroom Deutermycota- The imperfect fungi (no known sexual life cycle) ex: Penicillium

Deutermycota: Ex: Penecillium Imperfect fungi

Ecology of Fungi Decomposers – recycle nutrients

During the Revolutionary War The British lost more ships to fungal rot than to enemy fire

Ecology of Fungi Pioneer species- important for soil formation lichen- break down rock into soil; it is symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism

Algae provide food Fungus provides protection Lichen Structure Densely packed hyphae Layer of algae/ cyanobacteria Algae provide food Loosely packed hyphae Densely packed hyphae

Lichen is a pioneer species and help with the formation of soil.

The acids in the lichens break down the rock over time and these particles of rock mix with dead lichen to form soil.

Ecology of Fungi Pioneer species- important for soil formation; break down rock into soil lichen- very important pioneer species; it is symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism Mycorrhizae- symbiotic relationship between plants and fungus; plant gets water and nutrients and fungus gets a place to live on the roots of the plant

Ecology of Fungi Mycorrhizae- symbiotic relationship between plants and fungus Important in Baking and Brewing -making bread and other products

Eaten as foods Truffles

Truffle

Blue Cheese: Penicillium roquefortii is used in the manufacture of blue cheeses e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Danish Blue etc. During the fermentation process the fungus spores are injected into the curd. Growth of the fungus imparts a pleasant tang to the final product. By the way, the blue in the blue-cheese is caused by the pigment in the spores (conidia) of the fungus. So, when you eat blue cheese you are consuming spores by the million.

Eaten as foods Responsible for crop damage (as much as 50% in tropical areas)

Eaten as foods Responsible for crop damage (as much as 50% in tropical areas) Cause human diseases and illnesses athletes foot

Eaten as foods Responsible for crop damage (as much as 50% in tropical areas) Cause human diseases and illnesses athletes foot ringworm

Eaten as foods Responsible for crop damage (as much as 50% in tropical areas) Cause human diseases and illnesses athletes foot ringworm thrush

Used in medicine production: penicillin, high blood pressure, pain medications

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