Fungi are classified in their own kingdom The study of Fungi is called Mycology  Heterotrophic  Filamentous bodies  Cell walls contain chitin  Unique mitosis: nuclear membrane does not disintegrate

Fungi are composed of hyphae  Slender filaments  Long string of cells divided by septa  Septa do not form a complete barrier

Hyphae form a mycelium  Branched and tangled mass  Increased SA/V ratio: absorption

How fungi obtain food  Secrete digestive enzymes from hyphae  Absorb and use molecules for energy  Most fungi are decomposers: they live on decaying organisms.  Decompose organic matter: leaves, branches, animal corpses, animal waste  Some fungi are parasites they extract food from living organisms.

Fungi are indiscriminate absorbers  Fruit  Vegetables  Meat  Paper  Leather  Paint  Petroleum

Commercially valuable  Yeast produce CO 2 and alcohol: brewing, baking, and wine-making  Produce pungent flavors of cheese (i.e. camembert and roquefort)  Source of antibiotics (i.e. penicillin)

Phylum Zygomycota common molds

Phylum Basidiomycota club fungi

Phylum Ascomycota sac fungi

Lichens  Symbiotic association: fungi + alga  Fungus: absorbs minerals  Alga: conducts photosynthesis

Lichen diversity Foliose:Crustose:Fruticose: leaf-likecrustyshrub-like

Lichens  Key component of primary succession: prepare environment for other organisms  Sensitive to pollution (particularly SO 2 )

Mycorrhizae  Symbiotic relationship: plant roots + fungi  Hyphae grow between soil particles and into decomposing matter: absorb minerals  Transfer minerals to plant roots

The Good and Bad  GOOD: Fungi are used to produce ethanol, alcohol, bread, etc. Some are also good to eat: Morels, Truffles, Portabella, etc.  BAD: May cause health problems – ringworm, athlete’s foot, allergies, yeast infections, etc.