Cilia 5. Starter – Label the Diagram

Fungi  A large group of organisms that include unicellular yeasts to multi- cellular moulds and mushrooms.  Once considered a plant as they are immobile but they cannot make their own food (photosynthesis).

Fungi Fun

Fungi Sporangium Spores Hyphae Food

Fungi  Sporangium – produces and contains spores.  Spores – a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal.  Hyphae – very fine threads which invade tissue of host organism or dead matter.

Fungi Feeding  Most fungi are saprophytes, growing on top of and down through their food source.  They obtain nutrients by secreting digestive enzymes from their hyphae which break down the food so that it can be absorbed.

Reproduction  Fungi grow from tiny particles called spores which float around the air like dust

Reproduction  Fungi can reproduce asexually, producing genetically identical offspring, or sexually, creating diversity.

Helpful Fungi  Fungi are involved in decomposition.  Yeast used in bread-making, brewing and wine-making by forming ethanol and CO 2.  Some create antibiotics (e.g. penicillin).  Some fungi are edible.

Blue Cheese

Truffles

Edible Mushrooms

Decomposition

Harmful Fungi  Spoil food and render it dangerous to eat (e.g. aspergillus on peanuts).  Serious diseases of crops and other plants.  Damage timber if untreated.  Pathogenic fungi cause a variety of diseases.

Spoiled Crops

Athletes Foot

Ringworm

Nail Fungus

Spores