Ascomycetes Kiyoon Kim

Basic Information Kingdom - Fungi Subkingdom – Dikarya Commonly known as ‘sac fungi’, which is largest phylum of fungi Asexual reproduction – vegetative reproductive spores (conidia)

Metabolism Heterotrophic – feeds on organic compounds Obtain from dead matters, or as symbionts Digestive enzymes to break down organic substances

Living environment Basically all land ecosystems worldwide Even in Antarctica Distribution of species variable Can grow in inhospitable environment for other organisms

Impacts Decomposers – help the detritivores obtain nutrients Provide food for many animals ranging from insects to large animals Form symbiotic associations with green algae and other algae – lichens Agent of many plant diseases – ex) Dutch Elm Disease Penicillium chrysogenum – penicillin