1. Fungus-Like Protists Biology 112

2. General Characteristics Similar to fungi in that they are heterotrophs that absorb food from dead or decaying organic matter Unlike true fungi, they contain centrioles Lack chitin cell walls that are found in fungi

3. Slime Moulds play key role in recycling matter in the environment At one stage of their life cycle, they look like amoeba At other stages, they look like fungi and produce spores Individual cells remain distinct at every stage of their lives

4. Examples of Slime Moulds Some are acellular They fuse together to create large cells with many nuclei They are known as plasmodia

5. Water Moulds (oomycetes) Thrive on dead and decaying matter in water Some are plant parasites on land Most famous example is the protist responsible for the great potato famine (blight)