1. Kingdom Fungi
fungi - heterotrophic single-celled or multicellular organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms

2. Characteristics of Fungi
Fungi (along w/ bacteria) are the main decomposers on earth
decomposer – an
organism that feeds
on and breaks down
dead plant or animal
matter
Some scientists believe that
fungi evolved from ancient
fungus-like protists

3. Mycology -
the study of fungi
fungi - PLURAL
fungus - SINGULAR
4 Main Characteristics of Fungi
1) fungi are eukaryotic
they have a nucleus & mitochondria
2) they are heterotrophs
they depend on other organisms for food
3) most are multicellular (yeast are single-celled)
4) they cannot move on their own

4. Characteristics of Fungi
Some fungi live in symbiotic relationships with other organisms
- Example - Many types of fungi grow on the roots of plants. They release an acid that changes minerals in the soil into forms that plants can use. The fungi also protect the plant from some disease-causing organisms.
Except for yeasts, all fungi are multicellular

5. Parts of Fungi
Hyphae -
network of thin thread-like structures that form the “body” of a fungus
hypha - singular
hyphae - plural
Multicellular fungi are made up of chains of cells called hyphae
The hyphae grow together to form a twisted mass called the mycelium

6. Parts of Fungi Mycelium - a mass of hyphae
The mycelium is usually hidden in the soil, in wood, or another food source
A mycelium may be the size of a single ant, or cover many acres
mycelium.html

7. Hyphae/Mycelium

8. Hyphae/Mycelium

9. What are we looking at when we see a fungus?
The part of the fungus that we see is the part that carries out reproduction
The ‘living’ body of the fungus is the mycelium

10. Fungi Reproduction Fungi are able to reproduce asexually or sexually
Sexual Reproduction - the hyphae of two fungi grow together and a new spore producing structure grows from the joined hyphae
Asexual Reproduction
1. hyphae break apart and form a new
mycelium
2. budding
3. spores

11. Fungi Reproduction most fungi reproduce by using spores
spores depend on the wind, animals, or water for dispersal
some fungi can shoot their spores

12. Food for Fungi Fungi are consumers that
obtain food by decomposing organic matter or through a
parasitic relationship
Fungi are heterotrophs and get their energy from living or once living matter
Fungi must live on or near their food supply
Most fungi obtain nutrients by secreting digestive juices onto a food source, then absorbing the dissolved substances

13. Kinds of Fungi
A fungus is classified into a particular group based on its shape and the way it reproduces
Four main groups:
1. Threadlike Fungi
2. Imperfect Fungi
3. Sac Fungi
4. Club Fungi

14. Kinds of Fungi 1. Threadlike Fungi/Mold 2. Imperfect Fungi
Example: Bread Mold
2. Imperfect Fungi
- can only reproduce asexually
- cause most fungal diseases in humans
Example: ringworm, athletes foot, thrush (parasitism), penicillin

15. Example: yeasts, cup fungi, powdery mildews, & lichens
Kinds of Fungi
3. Club fungi
Example: Mushrooms
4. Sac Fungi
fungi.htm
Example: yeasts, cup fungi, powdery mildews, & lichens

16. Lichens
A lichen is a combination of a fungus and an alga that grow intertwined
The alga actually lives inside the protective walls of the fungus
Lichens are producers
Mutualism

17. WHY DO I CARE?
Fungi are decomposers-without them we would not have any other life.
Fungi are economically important$$$$$$$$.
Baked goods
Brewing
Mushrooms
Antibiotics
Crop Damage