Fungi -Food or Foe?-

Fungi Classification Domain: Eukaryota Kingdom: Fungi Cell Type: Eukaryotic Cell Number: Multicellular Feeding: Heterotrophic Decomposers Reproduction: Sexual

Special Fungi Structures Fungi are decomposers. They consume dead organic matter by digesting externally and absorbing the nutrients directly into their cells Fungi have cell walls like plants, but they are made of chitin instead of cellulose Fungi reproduce using a powdery substance called spores. They are similar to seeds, but don’t survive as long.

Basidiomycota Often called “club fungi” because they produce small clublike reproductive structures called basidia during sexual reproduction. Includes Mushrooms Puffballs Jelly Fungi

Which one can you eat?

Which one can you eat? Mushrooms Mushrooms are the fruits of fungus like apples on a tree. The true fungus is actually a net of threadlike fibers, called a mycelium. The function of a mushroom is to produce spores, which are the “seeds” of the fungi. The mushrooms most people recognize are the gilled fungi. These mushrooms are umbrella shaped and have caps with bladelike gills on the underside and stems that sometimes display rings.

Zygomycota Most are terrestrial organisms found primarily in soil that is rich in organic matter Includes the Common Molds

Which One Can You Eat?

Molds Microscopic fungi that live on plant or animal matter. Made of many cells and can sometimes be seen with the naked eye. Under a microscope, look like skinny mushrooms. Consist of: -root threads that invade the food it lives on -a stalk rising above the food -spores that form at the ends of the stalks Some cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems and/or can produce mycotoxins, poisonous substances that can make people sick.

Ascomycota Sac Fungi- distinguished by the presence of saclike compartments where sexually produced spores form. Includes Yeasts – Unicellular fungi Morels, Cup Fungi, and more.

Which one can you eat?

Which one can you eat? Yeast Unicellular fungi Used for food preparation Primary source of alcoholic fermentation in food sources (anaerobic respiration) Produce CO2 and cause fermentation Most common species used is Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Functions of Yeast It causes bread to rise and get fluffy It causes the carbonation in beer & sodas and forms alcohol

Fungal Symbiotic Relationships Lichens – Fungus and a photosynthetic organism (either a green algae or cyanobacteria) Mycorrhizae – Fungus and plant roots (help plant get nutrients by breaking down soil around root)

Fungal Parasites Decompose or grow on living things Athlete’s foot and Ringworm Caused by Dermatophytes

Life Cycle of Fungi