Kingdom Fungi fungi - heterotrophic single-celled or multicellular organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms

Characteristics of Fungi Fungi (along w/ bacteria) are the main decomposers on earth decomposer – an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter Some scientists believe that fungi evolved from ancient fungus-like protists

Mycology - the study of fungi fungi - PLURAL fungus - SINGULAR 4 Main Characteristics of Fungi 1) fungi are eukaryotic they have a nucleus & mitochondria 2) they are heterotrophs they depend on other organisms for food 3) most are multicellular (yeast are single-celled) 4) they cannot move on their own

Characteristics of Fungi Some fungi live in symbiotic relationships with other organisms - Example - Many types of fungi grow on the roots of plants. They release an acid that changes minerals in the soil into forms that plants can use. The fungi also protect the plant from some disease-causing organisms. Except for yeasts, most fungi are multicellular

Parts of Fungi Hyphae - network of thin thread-like structures that form the “body” of a fungus hypha - singular hyphae - plural Multicellular fungi are made up of chains of cells called hyphae The hyphae grow together to form a twisted mass called the mycelium

Parts of Fungi Mycelium - a mass of hyphae The mycelium is usually hidden in the soil, in wood, or another food source A mycelium may be the size of a single ant, or cover many acres www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/ mycelium.html

Hyphae/Mycelium

Hyphae/Mycelium

What are we looking at when we see a fungus? The part of the fungus that we see is the part that carries out reproduction The ‘living’ body of the fungus is the mycelium

Fungi Reproduction Fungi are able to reproduce asexually or sexually Sexual Reproduction - the hyphae of two fungi grow together and a new spore producing structure grows from the joined hyphae Asexual Reproduction 1. hyphae break apart and form a new mycelium 2. budding 3. spores

Fungi Reproduction most fungi reproduce by using spores spores depend on the wind, animals, or water for dispersal some fungi can shoot their spores

Food for Fungi Fungi are consumers that obtain food by decomposing organic matter or through a parasitic relationship Fungi are heterotrophs and get their energy from living or once living matter Fungi must live on or near their food supply Most fungi obtain nutrients by secreting digestive juices onto a food source, then absorbing the dissolved substances

Kinds of Fungi A fungus is classified into a particular group based on its shape and the way it reproduces Four main groups: 1. Threadlike Fungi 2. Imperfect Fungi 3. Sac Fungi 4. Club Fungi

Kinds of Fungi 1. Threadlike Fungi/Mold 2. Imperfect Fungi Example: Bread Mold 2. Imperfect Fungi - can only reproduce asexually - cause most fungal diseases in humans Example: ringworm, athletes foot, thrush (parasitism), penicillin

Example: yeasts, cup fungi, powdery mildews, & lichens Kinds of Fungi 3. Club fungi Example: Mushrooms 4. Sac Fungi www.rainforestventures.com/ fungi.htm Example: yeasts, cup fungi, powdery mildews, & lichens

Lichens A lichen is a combination of a fungus and an alga that grow intertwined The alga actually lives inside the protective walls of the fungus Lichens are producers Mutualism

WHY DO I CARE? Fungi are decomposers-without them we would not have any other life. Fungi are economically important$$$$$$$$. Baked goods Brewing Mushrooms Antibiotics Crop Damage