Fungi & Molds Fungi Are eukaryotic heterotrophs. Frequently decomposers, sometimes parasites. Usual structure is a mass of entangled filaments called Hyphae Hyphae can have cross walls (Septum) separating individual cells. Or have no separations. Overall mass is called mycelium

Reproduction Fungi differ from many organisms in that they: Fungi differ from many organisms in that they: Reproduce sexually & asexually Reproduce sexually & asexually Longest stage of life cycle is in the haploid (N) stage NOT the diploid (2N) stage. Longest stage of life cycle is in the haploid (N) stage NOT the diploid (2N) stage. Asexual reproduction is accomplished through the creation and spreading of asexual spores. Asexual reproduction is accomplished through the creation and spreading of asexual spores. Sexual reproduction is accomplished through creation and spreading of sexual spores by opposite mating types ((+) & (-)). Sexual reproduction is accomplished through creation and spreading of sexual spores by opposite mating types ((+) & (-)). There are 3 major divisions of fungi There are 3 major divisions of fungi

Division Zygomycota: Example: Black Bread mold Example: Black Bread mold Hyphae produce Sporangium which form spores asexually which are released to form new mycelia. Hyphae produce Sporangium which form spores asexually which are released to form new mycelia. Reproduce sexually also. Reproduce sexually also. Hyphae of (+) and (-) mating types called Gametangia fuse to form a diploid (2N) Zygospore Hyphae of (+) and (-) mating types called Gametangia fuse to form a diploid (2N) Zygospore Zygospore undergoes meiosis to produce spores which are then released Zygospore undergoes meiosis to produce spores which are then released

Life Cycle of the Bread Mold Sexual reproduction Hyphae called Stolons of opposite mating types (+ & -) will fuse to form a structure called Gametangia. Diploid (2N) Zygospore is formed. Zygospore produces sporandia which undergoes meiosis to release haploid (N) spores.

Division Ascomycetes (Sac Fungi) Named because sexual spores are produced in small sacs called asci (ascus). Named because sexual spores are produced in small sacs called asci (ascus). Asexual spores are produced on conidia by special hyphae called conidiophores. Asexual spores are produced on conidia by special hyphae called conidiophores.

Division Basidomycota: Include mushrooms, shelf fungi & puffballs Include mushrooms, shelf fungi & puffballs Name derives from formation of a transient diploid (2N) stage of the life cycle called the Basidium.

Life cycle of basidiomycota NOTE: NEVER eat a wild mushroom. Many are extremely toxic and can cause serious injury or death if eaten.

Ecological Significance: Are valuable decomposers which function to return organic material back to the ecosystem. Are valuable decomposers which function to return organic material back to the ecosystem. Fungi can form valuable symbiotic relationships Fungi can form valuable symbiotic relationships Example are lichens which is a symbiotic relationship with algae. Example are lichens which is a symbiotic relationship with algae.

Fungi Significance Have great economic value Have great economic value Yeast is a unicellular fungus used for baking and brewing. Yeast is a unicellular fungus used for baking and brewing. Many mushrooms are edible Many mushrooms are edible Diseases caused by fungi. Diseases caused by fungi. Plants are most vulnerable to molds & fungi. Plants are most vulnerable to molds & fungi. It is a serious threat to agriculture some common crop diseases caused by molds & fungi are: It is a serious threat to agriculture some common crop diseases caused by molds & fungi are: Potato blight Potato blight Wheat rust Wheat rust Corn smut Corn smut Can cause disease in humans. Can cause disease in humans. "Athlete's foot" "Athlete's foot" Ring worm Ring worm Thrush and other yeast infections Thrush and other yeast infections