1. Kingdom: Fungi

2. Characteristics of Fungi
Eukaryotes
Have cell walls made of chitin
Heterotrophic
Decomposers (release digestive enzymes into the environment to break down organic matter then absorb nutrients through cell wall)
Have two major structures: hyphae and mycelia
Release spores

3. Hyphae
Tiny threads of cytoplasm surrounded by plasma membrane and covered by a cell wall
Hyphae have cell walls made of chitin (not cellulose as in plants)
As the fungi grow the hyphae branch forming a tangled mass of filaments called mycelium that is well adapted to absorb nourishment

4. Hyphae

5. Hyphae and Mycelium

6. Mycorrhizae
Vast networks of mycelium that extends through soil are called mycorrhizae
These hyphae are only a fraction of the diameter of a root so they can penetrate where roots cannot
This network and the roots of plants have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship
The mycorrhizae absorb sugars, starches, protiens and lipids from the plant roots
The plants receive essential nutrients such as water and phosphorus from the fungus

7. Reproduction of Fungi Both sexual and asexual
Asexual by means of spores: small haploid cells are formed by meiosis. Each spore can produce a new organism

8. Asexual reproduction
When a piece of hyphae breaks off It can grow into a new fungi

9. Sexual reproduction of Fungus
There are two sexes “+” and “-”
Opposite hyphae grow towards each other and fuse to form a diploid zygospore

10. Examples of Fungi Bread mould Mildew Yeast Mushrooms Athletes foot
Penicillium

11. Bread Mould

12. Bread Mold

13. mildew

14. Yeast

15. Athletes foot

16. The Importance of Fungi
Decomposers & recyclers of nutrients
Plants live in a symbiotic relationship with fungi – mycorrhizae
Fungal spores cause allergies
Molds, mildew, rusts, & smuts damage crops
Yeasts are used to make beer & bread
Produces the antibiotic penicillin
Mushrooms eaten as food
Help form blue cheeses
Aspergillus is used to make soy sauce
Cause athlete’s foot & ringworm
Amanita is poisonous mushroom
Can cause yeast infections