Kingdom Fungi

What is a fungus? Multi-cellular organisms, (except yeast, (single celled) Heterotrophs, decomposer Chitin cell wall Immobile

Fungus Structure hyphae- thread like filaments that grow out for anchoring, feeding, or reproduction. some hyphae have dividers in them called septa Hyphae grow into a network of filaments called a mycelium.

Fungus Feeding Feeding hyphae secrete digestive enzymes onto the food source Once the food is broken down (decomposed) the hyphae then absorb the food through diffusion

3 types of heterotrophs saprophytes (decomposers), mutualist, parasites - Parasitic and Mutualistic fungi have specialized hyphae called haustoria that obtain nutrients from their host.

Fungus Reproduction fungi spend most of their lives haploid fragmentation- asexual- pieces of hyphae are broken off redistributed and grow somewhere else. (like when you dig).

Fungus Reproduction Budding – asexual – mitosis occurs, the new cell pinches off from the parent

Fungus Reproduction Spores- asexual or sexual, specialized hyphae grow into a spore producing structure called a sporangium or fruiting body(visible part of the fungus) Spore advantages- can lay dormant, large numbers, easy to disperse,

Fungus Types: Mold Multi-celled no septa decomposer, parasite Sexual or asexual Ex. Bread mold

Sac fungi multi-celled (except yeast) Have septa decomposer Asexual or sexual yeast, cup fungi, truffles, mildew spores called conidia.

Club fungi -multi-cellular -Have septa -decomposer -only sexually reproduction ex. mushrooms, puffballs, stink horns

Mutualistic Fungi Mycorrihiza- a fungus living with a plant root Lichens – a fungus and a green algae Several Ant species farm fungi.

Fungus Pros and Cons Pros- (penicillin, foods, decomposition, pesticide, alcohol) Cons- parasitic (Athletes foot, jock itch, ring worm, yeast infection)