& Eukaryotic Microbes NB Questions Fungi Notes & Eukaryotic Microbes NB Questions

*Characteristics: Domain – Eukarya Kingdom - Fungi Cell Type - Eukaryotic Most are saprophytes– live on other dead organisms. Most are multicellular, but some unicellular like yeast. Some are internal or external parasites. A few are predators that capture prey. Non-motile

*Cell Walls: Made of chitin (a complex polysaccharide).

*Cell Walls: Grow as microscopic filaments called hyphae that contain cytoplasm & nuclei.

*Cell Walls: Rhizoids are root-like parts of hyphae that anchor the fungus.

*Reproduction: Sexual & asexual spores. Grow best in warm, moist environments. Asexual reproduction occurs when environmental conditions are favorable. Fruiting bodies are modified hyphae that make asexual spores.

*Reproduction: Sexual reproduction occurs when nutrients or water are scarce. Wind, animals, water, & insects spread spores. Yeast cells reproduce by budding where a part of the cell pinches off to produce more yeast cells.

*Nutrition: Important decomposers & recyclers of nutrients in the environment. Non-photosynthetic Absorptive heterotrophs– digest food first & then absorb it into their bodies. Release digestive enzymes to break down organic material.

*Examples: Mold Mildews Rusts Yeasts Mushrooms.

*Helpful Fungi: Saprophytes are helpful because they break down organic material returning nutrients to the soil. Yeasts are useful in the making of bread and fermented drinks. Antibiotic penicillin comes from Penicillium mold Some are edible.

*How to control Fungi: Fungicide – chemicals used to kill fungi.