Study Guide & Notes - Fungi
The Kingdom Fungi includes _Yeast_, __Molds_, and _Mushrooms_ to name a few.
Except for yeasts, all fungi are _Multicellular_.
What are fungi? Fungi are _Eukaryotic_ _Heterotrophs_ that have cell walls containing
_Chitin_.
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They are eukaryotes (they have a _cell wall_).
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They are _heterotrophs_ (they cannot make their own food).
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They contain _chitin_ (a complex carbohydrate also found in the shells of
_insects_).
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Most fungi are __decomposers_ meaning that they absorb their nutrients from
_dead__ or decaying organic matter.
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Fungi reproduce both sexually and _asexually_ (through the use of _spores_).
Multicellular fungi have tiny filament structures called _hyphae_. Multicellular fungi also
have reproductive structures called _fruiting_ __body__.
__Mushrooms__ are an example of a fruiting body. When you see a mushroom on the
ground you are only seeing a small __protein_ of the whole organism. The filaments
may extend for several _acres_! Fungi include some of the largest organisms on the
Earth.
1. Unicellular Fungi (_Yeast_)
Some species are used for _baking_ and brewing. Some species can cause
__diseases__ in humans. Athlete’s Foot is caused by a fungal parasite called
__XXXXXXXX___ that can cause infection between the toes. Another type of yeast can
cause infections in the mouth called _Thrust__ and infections in the female reproductive
tract.
2. Common Molds
Molds that grow on foods like meat, __fruit_, and bread are in the phylum
__Zygomycota_. These reproduce or spread through the use of _spores_, similar to
how a plant disperses its seeds.
3. Sac Fungi
Sac fungi are included in the phylum __Ascomycota__ and they have a reproductive
structure which contains spores. “_puff_ __ball__” fall into this category.
4. Club Fungi
These are in the phylum _Basidiomycota_. They are called club fungi because of the
__reproductive__ structures that they form. Examples would be mushrooms. Some
mushrooms are _edible_ whereas others can be extremely _deadly__.
Some fungi produce deadly _toxins_. These are known as __mycotoxins__.