 Fungi were once classified as a member of the plant kingdom, however, we soon found enough differences to put them in their own kingdom!  Fungi are multi-cellular like plants, but are heterotrophic and rely on food sources to survive  Some fungi are parasites and most are saprophytes

 Similar to plants, they release material back into the soil as nutrients for growing plants  Cells of fungi are eukaryotic and contain cell walls. Their cell walls differ from plants because they contain a protein called chitin.  Although most are multi-cellular there are a few exceptions to the rule and yeasts are examples of unicellular fungi

 Fungi reproduce sexually by conjugation and asexually.  Many fungi produce spores which contain the genetic material for new fungi to grow.  Asexual reproduction is from fragmentation where a piece breaks of the parent, or by budding, in which the parent makes tiny copies through mitosis.  Fungi are classified according to the method of reproduction…where have you seen this??

 Includes mushrooms, shelf fungi and puffballs  Basidia is the club shaped structures where spores are formed  This is the part that you eat, the majority of the organism is underground  Basidia are found on gills underneath the cap. When the spores are mature they are released and carried by the wind.

 Specialized hyphae from two different fungi can meet and fuse to form a zygote  The zygote then forms thick walls and resists harsh conditions  Other hyphae are specialized to spread across the surface called stolons  Another type called rhizoids are like roots that anchor into the food source

 Includes yeasts, mildews and cup fungi  Spores are produced in sac like structures  Yeasts are very important in the study of respiration  Penicillium is a mold that is very important to medicine and giving cheese its flavor

 An organism that is made up of a fungus and an algae. This is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.  The algae provides food for itself and the fungus and in turn the fungus provides a moist place to live and a supply of nutrients  When lichens die they enrich the soil, they are also a very important food source in the tundra

 Beverages: the average person consumes beverages produced by fungi every day. All the citric acid used in soft drinks, candies, artificial lemon juice, baked goods is produced industrially by fungus fermentation ( Aspergillus niger)  Fungus is also responsible for the production of beers, wines and spirits

 Saprophytic Fungi are the primary agents responsible for the biodegradation of plants and woody debris. 85 BILLION tons of carbon is retuned annually to the atmosphere

 A delicacy in many countries is the Truffle  They have become rare in many European countries and increasingly more expensive due to this fact  Often people hunting for truffles would use the aid of dogs or pigs to sniff them out and find them!