Synapomorphies that distinguish the fungi: Absorptive heterotrophy Chitin in cell walls

Fungi The fungi live by absorptive nutrition, secreting digestive enzymes that break down large food molecules and absorbing the breakdown products. Some are saprobes (feeding on dead matter); others are parasites. Some are active predators A few have mutually beneficial (symbiotic) relationships with other organisms.

Fungi - body structure of the three most highly evolved clades Fruiting structure - mushroom Mycelium = mat of interwoven hyphae

Fungi – many hyphae are coenocytic

Fungal hyphae

Fungal hyphae – many attack living cells

Fungal hyphae – or even catch prey

Fungal hyphae – or consume dead/decaying organic matter

Fungal hyphae – or live in symbiotic relationships Mycorrhizae on a eucalyptus root

Fungal hyphae – or live in symbiotic relationships: Fungi + green algae = lichens

Fungi

Fungi - Chytridiomycota most primitive types are chytrids aquatic or parasitic grouped with rest of fungi by molecular evidence evolved from flagellated protists.

Fungi - Zygomycota

Reproduction by producing sporangiophores – asexual reproduction

Reproduction by producing zygospores (sexual reproduction)

Zygospore development

Fungi –Glomeromycota – mycorrhizal fungi – symbionts w/ plant roots

Fungi - Ascomycota (sac fungi)

Ascomycota reproduction Note : some species have given up sexual reproduction altogether – see next slides….

Ascomycota (Penicillium) chemical defenses

Ascomycota (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

Basidiomycota (club fungi,mushrooms)

Basidiomycota (bracket fungus, puffball)

Releasing spores

Basidiomycota - poisonous Amanita muscaris and edible Agaricus bisporus

Basidiomycota reproduction

Lichen (fungi/green algae symbiosis)