Fungi A guide to Chapter 7 Fungus (FUHN-guhs): plural Fungi (FUHN-jigh)

Characteristics of Fungi Range in size: Unicellular to Multicellular Heterotrophs Asexually reproduce by spores. Made up of hyphae.

Feeding Fungi release chemicals that digest the substance on which they grow. Then they absorb the digested food. Decomposers

Structure of Fungi Unicellular (yeasts) Multicellular (all others) Hyphae: threadlike tubes that make up fungi. They grow very quickly.

Reproduction of Fungi Reproduce by spores. Tiny reproductive cells enclosed in a protective cell wall. Can be carried by the wind. Spores are produced in Fruiting Bodies.

Forms of Fungi Mushrooms Yeasts Molds

Mushrooms Shaped like umbrellas Stalk Ring Cap Gills (spores) Can be poisonous.

Yeasts Unicellular Used to make bread. Produces carbon dioxide. Reproduce by budding.

Molds Fuzzy, shapeless, flat. Used to make food. Tofu, soy sauce and cheeses. Provide valuable medicines. Grow on food.

Penicillin Scottish scientist Sir Alexander Flemming Discovered Penicillin from the mold called Penicillium. Antibiotic

Fungi and Disease Damage and kill plants Damage stored crops Produce toxins in plants that can harm humans and animals. Can be used as pesticides. Ringworm, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus.

Lichens Two organisms living symbiotically. Fungus and Alga Alga is an autotroph without roots, stems or leaves. The fungus provides the water and minerals.

Created by Mrs. Scibelli Exploring Life Science (Prentice Hall) Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia