Kingdom: Fungi

Kingdom Fungi Characteristics Is fungi autotrophic or heterotrophic? Is fungi eukaryotic or prokaryotic? Is fungi unicellular or multicellular? Does fungi have a cell wall? BONUS: What is it made of? Except YEAST YES! Chitin

Where do fungi grow? Warm, damp, dark places

Basic Structure of Fungi Multicellular Hyphae threadlike filaments that form a network called mycelium Unicellular Yeast Most of the Fungi is found underground!

Cellular respiration with no oxygen Importance of Fungi Decompose organic matter (recycle nutrients) Food (mushrooms, bleu cheese, soy sauce, etc…) Baking and brewing (by alcoholic fermentation) Soil formation BioTechnology used to make antibiotics and other drugs Cellular respiration with no oxygen

Penicillin Alexander Fleming, 1928

3 Feeding relationships of Fungi Decomposers - absorb and recycle nutrients from decaying matter Parasitism – Fungi benefits and the affected plants or animal is harmed Mutualism- both the fungi and the photosynthetic organism benefit

Fungi as Decomposers: Help break down decaying matter and recycle nutrients

Animals Athlete’s foot Ringworm Candidia albicans Fungi as Parasites Parasitism – Fungi benefits and the affected plants or animal is harmed

Fungi as Parasites Plants Can result in massive crop losses Rust Smut Mildew Can result in massive crop losses

Parasitic Fungi

Mutualistic Fungi: Mutualism- both the fungi and the photosynthetic organism benefit Examples: Mycorrhizae symbiosis between Fungus + Plants How do they benefit each other? Plant provides food by photosynthesis Fungi increase water and mineral intake

Mutualistic Fungi Lichens symbiosis between Fungus + Algae – essential in the formation of soil How do they benefit each other? Algae provides food by photosynthesis Fungi provides water and minerals

Reproduction Asexual Sexual Fragmentation Budding Fruiting body Spores Dispersed by wind, water and animals

Fun Fact! Morels & truffles are considered edible fungi delicacies…and are very expensive!! TRUFFLES $500-$6000 per pound! MORELS $50-$100 per pound