Fungi

General Characteristics Cell Walls made of Chitin Heterotrophic Reproduce using spores

Nutrient Absorption Always heterotrophic – either symbiotes or saprobes (decomposers) External digestion via excreted exoenzymes Hyphae (sing. hypha) – fungal equivalent of roots Mycelia – multiple hyphae bonded together

Reproduction Some species only do sexual some only do asexual (e.g. yeast)

Symbiosis Mycorrhizae – mutualistic relationship between fungi and plant roots Nutrient exchange between the two

Symbiosis, Pt. 2 Lichen a mutualistic relationship between fungus and small photosynthetic organisms Some animals use fungi for digestion (e.g. Leafcutter Ants)

Chytrids Simplest, most primitive fungi Have flagellated Spores – zoospores Have flagella Gut flora in cattle

Zygomycetes Many are molds Very hardy About 1,000 species

Microsporidia Unicellular Parasitic Strange compared to other eukaryotes – no mitochondria Rather interesting spores

Glomeromycetes Smallest phylum Quite similar to zygomycetes Symbiotic with almost all plants (~90%) as mycorrhizae

Ascomycetes “Sac Fungi” Use sac-like fruiting bodies called Ascocarps for reproduction Truffles, some yeasts, more than 40% of lichen fungi

Basidomycetes “Club Fungi” - eg mushrooms, shelf fungi, some yeasts Heads of reproductive structures (e.g. mushroom caps) spore release system Mostly decomposers

Effects on humans Help important crops grow Provide food or food additives – alcohol and rising bread Penicillin and similar antibiotics

Works Cited Campbell, Neil A. Biology. 7th ed. [S.l.]: Benjamin-Cummings, 2005. Print.