1. Fungi

2. General Characteristics
Cell Walls made of Chitin
Heterotrophic
Reproduce using spores

3. Nutrient Absorption
Always heterotrophic – either symbiotes or saprobes (decomposers)
External digestion via excreted exoenzymes
Hyphae (sing. hypha) – fungal equivalent of roots
Mycelia – multiple hyphae bonded together

4. Reproduction Some species only do sexual
some only do asexual (e.g. yeast)

5. Symbiosis
Mycorrhizae – mutualistic relationship between fungi and plant roots
Nutrient exchange between the two

6. Symbiosis, Pt. 2
Lichen a mutualistic relationship between fungus and small photosynthetic organisms
Some animals use fungi for digestion (e.g. Leafcutter Ants)

7. Chytrids Simplest, most primitive fungi
Have flagellated Spores – zoospores
Have flagella
Gut flora in cattle

8. Zygomycetes
Many are molds
Very hardy
About 1,000 species

9. Microsporidia Unicellular Parasitic
Strange compared to other eukaryotes – no mitochondria
Rather interesting spores

10. Glomeromycetes Smallest phylum Quite similar to zygomycetes
Symbiotic with almost all plants (~90%) as mycorrhizae

11. Ascomycetes “Sac Fungi”
Use sac-like fruiting bodies called Ascocarps for reproduction
Truffles, some yeasts, more than 40% of lichen fungi

12. Basidomycetes “Club Fungi” - eg mushrooms, shelf fungi, some yeasts
Heads of reproductive structures (e.g. mushroom caps) spore release system
Mostly decomposers

13. Effects on humans Help important crops grow
Provide food or food additives – alcohol and rising bread
Penicillin and similar antibiotics

14. Works Cited
Campbell, Neil A. Biology. 7th ed. [S.l.]: Benjamin-Cummings, Print.