1. Characteristics of Fungi
Kingdom Fungi
Characteristics
Heterotrophic – obtain energy by decomposing organic material
Structures are made of the same type of filamentous cell
Cell walls contain chitin
Go through nuclear mitosis – nucleus divides with no cytokinesis 3

2. Characteristics of Fungi
Structures
Their bodies are made up of slender woven filaments called hyphae.
Hyphae form mycelium, a tangled mass that make up the fungi structures. 4

3. Characteristics of Fungi
Nutrients
Fungi are decomposers.
They obtain energy by secreting digestive enzymes and absorbing the decomposed nutrients into their cells.
(Label diagram on notes) 4

4. Characteristics of Fungi
Reproduction
Most fungi reproduce by releasing spores that are produced asexually or sexually.
Spores are haploid, and fuse together to make the diploid stage of the life cycle
Spores are small and light to stay suspended in air. 4

5. Fungal Diversity Zygomycetes Common Name: Thread Fungi
Structure: Stolons grow along surface; rhizoids anchor to food source
Reproduction: tough zygosporangia produce spores
Examples: bread mold; soil fungi
(Label diagram on notes) 7

6. Fungal Diversity Ascomycetes Common Name: Sac Fungi
Structure: Spore sacs called asci
Reproduction: sexual with spores or
asexual by budding (yeast)
Examples: Baker’s yeast, cup fungi, morel mushrooms 8

7. Fungal Diversity Basidiomycetes Common Name: Club Fungi
Structure: Club-shaped basidia line gills
Reproduction: Sexual; spores form on basidia
Examples: Mushrooms, puffballs, shelf fungi 9

8. Fungal Diversity Deuteromycota Common Name: Imperfect Fungi
Structure: Many types
Reproduction: Asexual by spores and budding
Examples: Penicillium, infectious yeast 9

9. Fungal Partnerships Symbiotic Relationships Mycorrhizae
Mycorrhizae are a symbiotic relationship with plants
Fungus transfers minerals to a plant’s roots
Roots supply carbohydrates to the fungus. 11

10. Fungal Partnerships Symbiotic Relationships Lichens
Symbiotic relationship between fungus and photosynthetic algae or protist
Fungus protects the photosynthetic partner and provides minerals.
The photosynthetic partner provides carbohydrates. 11