Biology Kingdom Fungi 

Fungi Characteristics Plantlike – they are stationary Animal-like – they are heterotrophs Either Parasites or Saprophytes

Structure of Fungi  Has very thin filaments called: Hyphae Hyphae grow and branch out to form a mat of filaments called: Mycelium Visible portion is only small part

Cell wall composed of chitin Fungi Cell wall composed of chitin

Major Features of Fungi Hyphae are divided into cells by cross-walls called septa. Septa allow nutrients, cytoplasm, and organelles to flow between cells. Some fungi are aseptate.

Three types of fungi that differ in how they obtain nutrients Saprophytic fungi Parasitic fungi Mutualistic fungi

Saprophytic fungi are decomposers that recycle nutrients from dead organisms. Parasitic fungi absorb nutrients from the living cells of another organism. Mutualistic fungi live in a mutualistic relationship with another organism.

Classification of Fungi Chytridiomycota (chytrids) Zygomycota (common molds) Ascomycota (sac fungi) Basidiomycota (club fungi) Deuteromycota (imperfect fungi)

Characteristics of Chytridiomycota (Chytrids) Unicellular Most are aquatic Some are saprophytic Produce flagellated spores

Zygote Fungi  Common Bread Mold, Rhizopus Specialized hyphae from two different organisms meet and form a zygote

Zygote Fungi  Hyphae called rhizoids, anchor fungus to food source Most are saprophytes Some are parasites – feed on potatoes

Club Fungi  Mushrooms, shelf fungi, rusts, puffballs Contain club shaped structures called Basidia, where sexual spores are produced

Club Fungi  Mushrooms are just reproductive part of mushroom Gills contain basidia Some are good, some are not – toadstools = poisonous

Sac Fungi  Yeasts, cup fungi, mildew Form sac like structures called ascus Yeast are unicellular Some sac fungi useful in medicine

Lichens  Dual organism Fungus and algae Love to decompose and are a food for elk and reindeer