Fungi

What are fungi? Fungi are not plant or animal –They cannot move around like an animal – They breakdown organic matter They have no chlorophyll (plants do) They are heterotrophic & eukaryotic Classified by the type of spores they have

Structure Most of the structures you cant see without a microscope Most have thread-like strands called hyphae (hypha = singular) Most fungi produce a mass called mycelium (commonly referred to as mold). Mycelium can be any size from tiny clusters to acres, these feed and help the fungus grow.

Feeding Hyphae feed on organic remains by using digestive enzymes to dissolve the organic matter. They then reabsorb the nutrients. They accumulate nutrients until the internal and external conditions are right for the production of “fruiting body”.

Zygomycota / Sporangia

Ascomycota / Asci

Basidiomycota & Basidia

Lichens: Plant or Fungi?

Lichens A lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a: –Fungus –Green Algae Pioneer’s to a disturbed site Symbiosis = “ Mutualism ” Both Benefit by the partnership –Fungus provides mineral nutrients –Algae provides ‘photosynthesis’

And now to finish Fungi… And thoroughly “gross you out” …

Ugly fungus… …if this doesn’t get you to wash your toes in the shower – nothing will!

Bye Bye Fungus!