Characteristcs of Fungi
- Cells are eukaryotic
- Cells are surrounded by a cell wall made of chitin
- Most are multicellular
- Reproduction is sexual and asexual
- Heterotrophs
- Many are stationary
- Don't have true roots
- Can be decomposes or recyclers
- Can cause diseases
- Can be parasitic
- Can form mutualistic relationships, a relationship where both organisms benifit
Fungal Structures
- Do not contain chloroplasts
- Have long thread like microscopic cells called hyphae
- Large masses of hyphae are called mycelia
Fungal Growth
Fungi only grow from the tips, and this allows them to colonize dead or living organic matter.
Fungal Nutrition
Fungi are heterotrophic and obtain nutrients from other organisms. They obtain the nutrients by extra-cellular digestion and absorption not by ingestion. Fungi accomplish this process by having there hyphae grow in and around a food source, secreting digestive enzymes and absorbing nutrients.
Phylum Zygomycota
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- Zygomycota can also reproduce sexually
- Two hyphae form which conjugate and produce a zygospore which stay dormant until growing conditions are correct
- They include some familiar bread and fruit moulds
- Most are soil fungi
- Many are used commercially
- Many are parasites of insects
- Example: rhizopus (bread mould)
Phylum Ascomycota
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Phylum Basidiomycota
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Phylum Chytridomycota
- Only fungi with swimming spores
- Most are saprophytes, they obtain nutrients from dead organic matter
- Can be unicellular or multicellular
- Can be parasitic and live on decaying plants or insects
Phylum Glomermycota
- All form symbiotic relationships with plant roots