Fungus–like protists

What are Fungi? Mushrooms, molds, and mildews are fungi. Most fungi are multicellular eukaryotes. Fungi are found everywhere in land but only some live in fresh water. All fungi are heterotroph. Most fungi feed on dead or decaying organisms. Fungi have cell walls Fungi use spores to reproduce.( A spore is a tiny cell that is able to grow into a new organism.)

Fungus-like protist The second group of protist are the fungus –like protist. Like fungi, fungus-like protists are heterotrophs, have cell walls, and use spores to reproduce. Unlike fungi, however, all fungus-like protists are able to move at some point in their lives. The three type of fungus-like protist are water molds, downy mildews, and slime molds.

Water Molds and Downy Mildews Most water molds and downy mildews live in water or moist place. Water molds and downy mildews grow as tiny thread that look like a fuzzy covering. Water Molds and downy mildews also attack food crops, such as potatoes, cabbages and corn.

Slime Molds Slime molds live in moist soil and on decaying plants and trees. Slime molds are often colorful. Many are bright yellow. Their glistening bodies creep over fallen logs and dead leaves, on shady moist forest floors. Slime molds feed on bacteria and other organism. They move in an amebalike way by performing pseudopods and oozing along the surfaces of decaying materials.

Slime Molds (2) Some slime molds are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. And some are so small that you need a microscope to see them. When there are no food or other conditions change, some tiny slime molds creep together and form a multicellular mass. Spore-producing structures could grow out of the mass and release spores, which can make new slime molds.

A type of fungi called the orange cup. A type of water mold.