1. Fungi

2. Distinguishing Characteristics
Entirely eukaryotic & heterotrophic
Some fungi are unicellular
Most are multi-cellular
Multi-cellular representatives are twisted masses = mycelium, made up of chains of single cells called hyphae
The mycelium of a fungus is actually hidden underground.
Fungal cells have cell walls (made of chitin) just like plant cells, but they do not have chlorophyll & thus do NOT photosynthesize
Many are decomposers but some are parasitic
Classified based on their shape & how they reproduce
Live in moist, shady areas

3. Method of Nutrition Completely heterotrophic
But they do not engulf or catch their meals
Fungi must live on or near their food supply
Secrete digestive enzymes (chemicals) to breakdown their food source so that they can absorb the nutrients

4. Method of Reproduction
Asexual ~ 1) breaking apart of hyphae
2) a few by budding or binary fission
Sexual ~ sex cells combine to produce sexual
spores that are spread by wind, water,
or animals to a new area and then a new
fungus can grow

5. The Good & the Bad Major decomposers Parasitic
Used in food making
Symbiotic relationships with plants – mycorrhiza, the plant gets proper root functioning while the fungus gets protection/nutrition
Parasitic
Disease & illness in humans
Epidermophyton rubrum = “Ringworm”
Tinea podias = “Athlete’s Foot”

6. Examples & Pictures
Sac Fungi ~ largest group. Includes: yeasts, powdery mildews, truffles, morels.
Threadlike Fungi ~ most of the individuals in this group are decomposers, some are parasites. Includes: black molds, dung fungi, & bread molds
Morchella esculenta
Rhizopus stolonifer
Tuber magnatum

7. More Examples & Pictures
Club Fungi ~ the umbrella shaped mushrooms. Includes: rusts, smuts, and puffballs
Imperfect Fungi ~ all of these fungi reproduce asexually (usually via a host) because most are parasites. Exception – Penicillium & those used in food making
Parasitic Examples: Tinea poidas = “athlete’s foot” & “ringworm”
Ustilago maydis
* Lichens ~ symbiotic relationship between a fungus & an algae. Important for the break down of rocks and minerals & thus the production of soil!
Epidermophyton rubrum = “ ringworm”
Staurothele clopima