All fungi are eukaryotic heterotrophs that have rigid cell walls made of chitin –What is eukaryotic? Fungi have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelle structures –What is a heterotroph? Fungi get their food by eating other organisms or their byproducts and cannot make their own food

Fungi Characteristics 1) Unicellular and Multicellular Eukaryote 2) Heterotrophs and major Decomposers 3) Most reproduce asexually by spores 4) Cell wall made of Chitin 5) Need moist, warm places in which to grow.

Fungi can either be unicellular or multicellular Yeast is a single- celled fungus. Witch’s Hat fungus is multi- cellular.

The cells of fungi are arranged in branching, threadlike tubes called hyphae Hyphae Cap Gills

Basidiomycete or Club Fungi

Fungi are heterotrophs, but they cannot catch or surround their food. So, how do they eat? They have to live near or actually on their food supply There are 3 ways that fungi get their food: –consumers (ex: bracket fungus) –Decomposers (ex: bread mold) –Parasites (ex: zombie ants)

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Reproduction Most fungi reproduce asexually by making spores Yeast cells reproduce asexually in a process called budding. Fungi reproduce sexually when conditions are unfavorable.

The Role of Fungi in Nature Food and Fungi –Yeasts make bread rise –Molds are used to make cheese –Mushrooms on pizza yum! Environmental Recycling –Decomposers—break down chemicals in dead organisms Disease-Fighting –Penicillin—bread mold that produces antibiotics which kill bacteria. Disease-Causing –Athlete’s foot –Ring worm

Symbiosis: Lichens A fungus and algae or autotrophic bacteria living together in a mutualistic relationship Fungus provides shelter, water, and minerals Algae/bacteria provide food