Post on 18-Dec-2015
Kingdom Fungi
fungi - heterotrophic single-celled or multicellular organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms
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
Mycology -
the study of fungi
fungi - PLURAL
fungus - SINGULAR
1) fungi are eukaryotic•they have a nucleus &
mitochondria2) they are heterotrophs•they depend on other organisms for food3) most are multicellular (yeast are
single-celled)4) they cannot move on their own
4 Main 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, most fungi are multicellular
Characteristics of Fungi
Parts of Fungi
Hyphae - network of thin thread-like structures that form the “body” of a fungus
•Multicellular fungi are made up of chains of cells called hyphae•The hyphae grow together to form a twisted mass called the mycelium
hypha - singularhyphae - plural
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
Parts of Fungi
Hyphae/Mycelium
Hyphae/Mycelium
What are we looking at when we see a fungus?
•The ‘living’ body of the fungus is the mycelium
• The part of the fungus that we see is the part that carries out reproduction
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 newmycelium 2. budding3. spores
•most fungi reproduce by using spores
•spores depend on the wind, animals, or water for dispersal
•some fungi can shoot their spores
Fungi Reproduction
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
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 Fungi2. Imperfect Fungi3. Sac Fungi4. Club Fungi
1. Threadlike Fungi/MoldExample: Bread Mold
2. Imperfect Fungi - can only reproduce asexually
- cause most fungal diseases in humans
Example: ringworm, athletes foot, thrush (parasitism), penicillin
Kinds of Fungi
3. Club fungi
4. Sac Fungi
Example: yeasts, cup fungi, powdery mildews, & lichens
Example: Mushrooms
Kinds of Fungi
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
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