Fungi

Fungi Basics Eukaryotic (4 Eukaryote kingdoms = animals, plants, fungi, & protists) Multicellular Heterotrophic (decomposers) Cell Walls

Fungi: Between Plants and Animals The 3 branches of multicellular life – Kingdom animalia – Kingdom plantae – Kingdom Fungi

Mushroom “Cap” = fruiting body A mushroom is the reproductive structure of a fungus, called a cap or fruiting body

Mushroom Morphology: Gills Gills are where the spores are

Mushroom Morphology: Hyphae A mushroom is the fruiting body (spore producing structure) of a much larger organism. Most of a fungus is hidden beneath the surface, in the form of long, fillamentous hyphae. Septae (singular: septum) divide the hyphae into cells.

Hyphae

Fungi Reproduction Fungi reproduction may be sexual or asexual, but always involves SPORES. Spores are similar to seeds.

Fungi Ecology Many fungi are decomposers, and get energy by breaking down dead plant material. Key nutrient cyclers in most ecosystems

Fungi Evolution 4 main “divisions” Basidomycetes = mushrooms