Characteristics of Fungi The Kingdom Fungi Characteristics of Fungi

Fungal Characteristics lack chlorophyll can’t produce food lack true tissues, made of masses of filaments cell walls containing chitin, not cellulose

Fungal Nutrition heterotrophic saprophytes – nourishment from dead organic material parasites dimorphism – the ability to change form

Fungal Nutrition external digestion

Fungal Respiration Most fungi require oxygen for their metabolism. All fungi require moisture for active growth. can withstand dryness by forming spores

Colonial Structure composed of slender filaments called hyphae septate cell walls dividing hyphae nonseptate mycelia (mycelium) mass of intertwined hyphae

Types of Hyphae rhizoids (saprophytes) haustoria (parasites) aerial hyphae sporophores – produce spores stolons – connect groups of hyphae together

host cells haustoria

sporophores stolon rhizoids

Asexual Reproduction occurs when environmental conditions are favorable budding fragmentation most commonly by spores

Types of Sporophores sporangiophore conidiophore spores are formed in an enclosure called a sporangium. conidiophore spores (conidia) are NOT formed within an enclosure.

Sexual Reproduction occurs during times of unfavorable environmental conditions no male or female, just + or - spore production hyphae from two different mycelia fuse. a fruiting body forms and releases spores. isogametes