What are the characteristics of
Fungi?
Most Multicellular (except yeast: unicellular)
Eukaryotes – cells contain a nucleus
Heterotrophic – are consumers like
animals (eat food)
Most are decomposers (recycle)
Cell walls composed of chitin
Structures of Fungi
Body made of mycelium (grows below
ground)
Fruiting body- part that reproduces (grows
above ground)
Mycelium and fruiting body made of
hyphae- string-like structures
The Structure of a Mushroom
Fruiting
body
Hyphae
Mycelium
III. Growth and Reproduction
Most Fungi develop from a spore into a hyphae,
then a mycelium
Spores are microscopic- they are everywhere!
1.
Spores are easily carried by wind or animals
When conditions are favorable a fruiting body
can grow overnight!
1.
Fungi like warm, moist environments
Can reproduce sexually or asexually
1.
Sexually -Involves 2 mating types (+) and (-)
Figure 21-8 The Life Cycle of a
Basidiomycete
Fruiting body (N+N)
Gills
lined with
basidia
Cap
Button
Gills
Stalk
Base
Basidia
(N + N)
FERTILIZATION
HYPHAE FUSE
- Mating type (N)
Haploid
Diploid
Page 534
+ Mating type (N)
Zygote
(2N)
MEIOSIS
Basidiospores
(N)
Production of
sex cells
How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold
Zygomycetes
http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg
How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold
Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast
http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg
How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold
Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast
Basidiomycota- The club fungi ex: mushroom
Basidiomycota
http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg
Basidiomycota
http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg
How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold
Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast
Basidiomycota- The club fungi ex: mushroom
Deutermycota- The imperfect fungi (no known
sexual life cycle) ex: Penicillium
Deutermycota:
Ex: Penecillium
Imperfect fungi
Ecology of Fungi
Decomposers – recycle nutrients
During the Revolutionary War
The British
lost more
ships to
fungal rot
than to
enemy fire
Ecology of Fungi
Pioneer species- important for soil
formation
lichen- break down rock into soil; it is
symbiotic relationship between a fungus
and a photosynthetic organism
Lichen Structure
Fungus provides protection
Densely packed
hyphae
Layer of algae/
cyanobacteria
Loosely packed
hyphae
Densely packed
hyphae
Algae provide food
Lichen is a pioneer species
and help with the formation
of soil.
The acids in the lichens break down the
rock over time and these particles of rock
mix with dead lichen to form soil.
Ecology of Fungi
Pioneer species- important for soil
formation; break down rock into soil
lichen- very important pioneer species; it is
symbiotic relationship between a fungus and
a photosynthetic organism
Mycorrhizae- symbiotic relationship
between plants and fungus; plant gets
water and nutrients and fungus gets a
place to live on the roots of the plant
Ecology of Fungi
Mycorrhizae- symbiotic relationship
between plants and fungus
Important in Baking and Brewing -making
bread and other products
Eaten as foods
Truffles
Truffle
Blue Cheese: Penicillium roquefortii is used in the manufacture of
blue cheeses e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Danish Blue etc.
During the fermentation process the fungus spores are injected into the
curd. Growth of the fungus imparts a pleasant tang to the final
product. By the way, the blue in the blue-cheese is caused by the
pigment in the spores (conidia) of the fungus. So, when you eat blue
cheese you are consuming spores by the million.
Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)
Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)
Cause human diseases and illnesses
athletes foot
Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)
Cause human diseases and illnesses
athletes foot
ringworm
Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)
Cause human diseases and illnesses
athletes foot
ringworm
thrush
Used in medicine production: penicillin,
high blood pressure, pain medications
THE END