Characteristics of Fungi Kingdom Fungi Characteristics Heterotrophic – obtain energy by decomposing organic material Structures are made of the same type of filamentous cell Cell walls contain chitin Go through nuclear mitosis – nucleus divides with no cytokinesis 3
Characteristics of Fungi Structures Their bodies are made up of slender woven filaments called hyphae. Hyphae form mycelium, a tangled mass that make up the fungi structures. 4
Characteristics of Fungi Nutrients Fungi are decomposers. They obtain energy by secreting digestive enzymes and absorbing the decomposed nutrients into their cells. (Label diagram on notes) 4
Characteristics of Fungi Reproduction Most fungi reproduce by releasing spores that are produced asexually or sexually. Spores are haploid, and fuse together to make the diploid stage of the life cycle Spores are small and light to stay suspended in air. 4
Fungal Diversity Zygomycetes Common Name: Thread Fungi Structure: Stolons grow along surface; rhizoids anchor to food source Reproduction: tough zygosporangia produce spores Examples: bread mold; soil fungi (Label diagram on notes) 7
Fungal Diversity Ascomycetes Common Name: Sac Fungi Structure: Spore sacs called asci Reproduction: sexual with spores or asexual by budding (yeast) Examples: Baker’s yeast, cup fungi, morel mushrooms 8
Fungal Diversity Basidiomycetes Common Name: Club Fungi Structure: Club-shaped basidia line gills Reproduction: Sexual; spores form on basidia Examples: Mushrooms, puffballs, shelf fungi 9
Fungal Diversity Deuteromycota Common Name: Imperfect Fungi Structure: Many types Reproduction: Asexual by spores and budding Examples: Penicillium, infectious yeast 9
Fungal Partnerships Symbiotic Relationships Mycorrhizae Mycorrhizae are a symbiotic relationship with plants Fungus transfers minerals to a plant’s roots Roots supply carbohydrates to the fungus. 11
Fungal Partnerships Symbiotic Relationships Lichens Symbiotic relationship between fungus and photosynthetic algae or protist Fungus protects the photosynthetic partner and provides minerals. The photosynthetic partner provides carbohydrates. 11