Fungus

The Fungus Amongus

Overview of Kingdom Fungi

Eukaryotic, heterotrophic, multicellular Most are microscopic molds or yeastsMolds - tangled masses of filaments of cellsYeasts - unicellular fungi resembling bacteriaThe study of fungi is known as mycology

Molds and Yeasts

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Obtaining Nutrients

Absorb nutrients from their environmentSecrete enzymes into foodSaprophytic - live on organic compounds absorbed from dead organisms

Structure

Hyphae - chitin containing filaments distinguish fungi from plants

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture. QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

ReproductionAsexually Spores - modified cells on hyphaeFragmentation - hyphae dry and scatterBudding - part of yeast cell pinches off and forms new cellSexually - fungi occur not in male and female, but rather in minus or plusMinus and plus fungi can fuse hyphae (conjugation) and produce genetically diverse spores

Adaptive Advantage!

Classification

Fungi are classified in 3 phylaZygomycota, Basidiomycota, and Ascomycota

Phylum ZygomycotaCoenocytic hyphae - lack septa (dividing walls)

Reproduce by forming spores and conjugatingExamples: Mucor (soil mold), Rhizopus (bread/veggie mold)

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Mucor and Rhizopus

Phylum BasidiomycotaSpetate hyphae - contain dividing walls

Asexual reproduction is rareSexually by producing basidiospores (from fruiting body)Examples: Puccinia (plant rust), Amanita (shrooms)

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Puccinia and Amanita

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.QuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Phylum Ascomycota

Septate or unicellular hyphaeForm conidia spores, buds(asexual)Sexually by producing ascosporesExamples: yeasts, morels

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

SymbiosisMycorrhizae - form along root systems of plants and absorb sugars while delivering nitrogen to plantsLichens - fungus/plant structure found on rocks, fungus dissolves rock for nutrients QuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Fungi and Humans

Fungal diseases: athletes foot, ringworm, yeast infections, jock itchResult from a fungal attack on tissueResult in itching, burning, discharge

Fungi and Humans

Many fungi are a valuable food source or beneficial in medicine/food production (Penicillin)