Kingdom FungiBiology 11Mr. McCallumSpring 2014

General CharacteristicsEukaryotic Reproduce via sporesAsexual (mitotic) or sexual (meiotic)Very light, float in the airHeterotrophicDecomposers and external digestersHave extensive networks of myceliumHave no roots for anchoring

General Characteristics (2)Non-motile throughout their life cycleCells have no flagella or ciliaMajority are multicellular Unicellular forms include yeasts

ClassificationClassified according to structure and reproductionFour main groups of Fungi:Zygomycota (common molds)Ascomycota (sac fungi)Basidiomycota (club fungi)Deuteromycota (imperfect fungi)

Classification (2)Zygomycota (common molds)Bread moulds, dung moulds

Ascomycota (sac fungi)Yeasts, morels, truffles

Basidiomycota (club fungi)Mushrooms, shelf fungi

Deuteromycota (imperfect fungi)Parasitic fungi that cause diseasesi.e. athletes foot and yeast infections

StructureComposed of hyphaeThread-like structuresEach hypha is covered by a cell wall composed of chitin Chitin is a carbohydrate(replaces cellulose that we have)Same material that is found in hard shells of lobsters, insects, and spidersEach hypha contains:NucleiCytoplasmMitochondriaRibosomesAs hyphae grow longer, nuclei divide Cross-walls can formIn others the cytoplasm ends up becoming multi-nucleatedThe extensive branching networks of hyphae are called mycelium.

NutritionHeterotrophsNon-motileQuick growing mycelium grows into the tissues and cells of other plants and organismsDecomposers (saprobes)Play an important part in ecosystems = recyclers!ParasitesDisrupt internal equilibrium to causes diseasePlant Diseases: mildew destroys fruit Human Diseases: athletes foot, ringworm, yeast infectionsSymbiontsMutualistic relationship = benefits both organismsEx: lichens and mycorrhizae are essential to many ecosystems

LichensSymbiotic relationship between algae and fungusAlgae provides energy via photosynthesis to fungusFungus provides algae with water and minerals Indicators of air pollutionWill not grow in areas where air pollution is presentImportant for successionGrow on bare rocksHyphae penetrate rocks, breaking them down into soil for next generation of grasses, etc.

MycorrhizaeSymbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungusFungi aid plants with absorption of water and mineralsCover surface of root to increase surface area and therefore water and mineral uptakeFungi release enzymes to release nutrients from the soilPlants provide fungi with the products of photosynthesis

ReproductionMajority of fungi reproduce asexuallySpore productionSpores are produced by the tips of hyphaeSpread via wind and/or waterSpores are extremely lightWhen it lands, if conditions are favourable, mycelium can regrowThe majority of fungi also reproduce sexually

Reproduction (2)Fruiting bodies release spores produced via sexual reproductionYeastsAsexual = budding Typical life cycle involved a haploid and diploid stage (short lived)Nuclei are typically haploid

Athletes FootFungal infection beginning between toesScaly rash burning, itching, stingingClosely related to ringworm and jock itchThrives in damp, humid conditions

RingwormFungal infection that develops on the top layer of your skinRed circular rash (raised edges) with a clear centreCan have a scaly centre or red dots can be presentClosely related to athletes footDirect skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal

Fungi Matter!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH62OUNC-8s*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaq03kCRwiU*