1. Main Characteristics of Fungi
They have thread-like bodies
Their cell walls contain chitin
Chitin is also found in the outer covering of insects
They are heterotrophic
They obtain energy by breaking down material in their environment

2. Structure of Fungi
The threadlike strands that make up the body of a fungus are called hyphae
The hyphae form a tangled mass called a mycelium
Most of a fungus is underground – the parts we see are the reproductive structures
The benefit of being made up of many strands is having a large surface area to absorb food

3. Structure of Fungi
Hyphae
Mycelium

4. Obtaining Nutrients
Fungi release enzymes that break down matter in the environment into nutrients
Saprobes are fungi that absorb nutrients from dead organisms

5. Reproduction Most fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually
The sexual reproductive structure of a fungus is called the fruiting body which is a tightly woven mycelium that we see above ground (mushroom)
The benefit of sexual reproduction in fungi is genetic diversity which increases the chance of survival in a changing environment

6. Reproduction
Fruiting Body
Mycelium
Hyphae

7. Reproduction
When the environment is not stressful, fungi reproduce asexually
The benefit of reproducing Asexually is it allows the fungus to spread rapidly

8. Club Fungi
This group includes mushrooms, toadstools, puffballs, rusts, & smuts
They are characterized by their club-like sexual reproductive structure

9. Fungal Partnerships
Fungi form mutualistic symbiotic relationships with other organisms where both members benefit
Lichen
Partnership between a fungus and photosynthetic partner
Mycorrhiza
Partnership between a fungus and roots of almost all plants

10. Fungi & Industry Fungi are used for Food Medicines Research
Pest Control

11. Fungi & the Ecosystem
Fungi play HUGE ecological roles by decomposing organic matter and by breaking down and absorbing minerals from rocks and soil

12. Fungi & Disease Fungi can grow on or inside tissues of the body
Dermatophytes cause athlete’s foot, toenail fungus and ringworm
Fungal infections can be difficult to cure because they grow within the tissues of the host