Fungi and Their Symbiotic Relationships Pooja Mehta and Taylor Hayes

Lichens Have the appearance of mosses Photosynthetic microorganisms Serves as a bioindicators Lichens are the result of a symbiotic relationship between photosynthetic microorganisms and fungal hyphae. The microorganisms are meshed between the fungal hyphae. NOT AN INDIVIDUAL ORGANISM – many little micros in the plant. Bioindicators – extremely sensitive to air pollution, the failing health of lichens indicates that the air quality of an environment is deteriorating. Soredia = small clusters of algae, used to spread microorganism beyond the fungi they live in, REPRODUCTIVE STRUCTURE OF LICHENS Lichen on tree bark

Mycorrhizae Important in ecosystems and agriculture Plant’s roots intertwine with hyphae Form fruiting bodies for sexual reproduction Mutual association between the roots of a plant and a fungal component (mycorrhizae). A plant’s roots become intertwined with the hyphae of the mycorrhiza, Important to environment and agriculture as they absorb nutrients from soil and share it with their plant counterpart. They reproduce using fruiting bodies like mushrooms Plant roots Mycorrhiza

Molds A mold is a type of asexually reproducing fungus. Consist of hyphae and spores Mold only refers to asexual stage.

Molds Molds Molds that are part of a sexually producing fungi cycle may belong to zygomycetes, ascomycetes or basidiomycetes Molds included in completely asexual fungi cycles are duteromycetes (imperfect fungi)

Molds Some molds produce antibiotics (ex. Penecilium which produces penicillin) Other species of Penecilium help ferment blue, Brie and Camembert cheeses. Molds such as Stachybotrys and Aspergillus niger release mycotoxins that are poisonous to humans. These toxins can cause respiratory diseases such as asthma or Aspergillosis, a form of fungal infection.

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