1. Kingdom Fungi Biology 11 Mr. McCallum Spring 2014

2. General Characteristics Eukaryotic Reproduce via spores o Asexual (mitotic) or sexual (meiotic) o Very light, float in the air Heterotrophic o Decomposers and external digesters Have extensive networks of mycelium o Have no roots for anchoring

3. General Characteristics (2) Non-motile throughout their life cycle o Cells have no flagella or cilia Majority are multicellular Unicellular forms include yeasts

4. Classification Classified according to structure and reproduction Four main groups of Fungi: o Zygomycota (common molds) o Ascomycota (sac fungi) o Basidiomycota (club fungi) o Deuteromycota (imperfect fungi)

5. Classification (2) Zygomycota (common molds) o Bread moulds, dung moulds Ascomycota (sac fungi) o Yeasts, morels, truffles Basidiomycota (club fungi) o Mushrooms, shelf fungi Deuteromycota (imperfect fungi) o Parasitic fungi that cause diseases o i.e. athletes foot and yeast infections

6. Structure Composed of hyphae o Thread-like structures Each hypha is covered by a cell wall composed of chitin o Chitin is a carbohydrate(replaces cellulose that we have) o Same material that is found in hard shells of lobsters, insects, and spiders Each hypha contains: o Nuclei o Cytoplasm o Mitochondria o Ribosomes As hyphae grow longer, nuclei divide o Cross-walls can form o In others the cytoplasm ends up becoming multi-nucleated The extensive branching networks of hyphae are called mycelium.

8. Nutrition Heterotrophs Non-motile o Quick growing mycelium grows into the tissues and cells of other plants and organisms Decomposers (saprobes) o Play an important part in ecosystems = recyclers! Parasites o Disrupt internal equilibrium to causes disease o Plant Diseases: mildew destroys fruit o Human Diseases: athletes foot, ringworm, yeast infections Symbionts o Mutualistic relationship = benefits both organisms o Ex: lichens and mycorrhizae are essential to many ecosystems

9. Lichens Symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus o Algae provides energy via photosynthesis to fungus o Fungus provides algae with water and minerals Indicators of air pollution o Will not grow in areas where air pollution is present Important for succession o Grow on bare rocks o Hyphae penetrate rocks, breaking them down into soil for next generation of grasses, etc.

10. Mycorrhizae Symbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungus o Fungi aid plants with absorption of water and minerals Cover surface of root to increase surface area and therefore water and mineral uptake o Fungi release enzymes to release nutrients from the soil o Plants provide fungi with the products of photosynthesis

12. Reproduction Majority of fungi reproduce asexually o Spore production Spores are produced by the tips of hyphae Spread via wind and/or water o Spores are extremely light When it lands, if conditions are favourable, mycelium can regrow The majority of fungi also reproduce sexually

13. Reproduction (2) Fruiting bodies release spores produced via sexual reproduction Yeasts o Asexual = budding Typical life cycle involved a haploid and diploid stage (short lived) o Nuclei are typically haploid

16. Athletes Foot Fungal infection beginning between toes Scaly rash – burning, itching, stinging Closely related to ringworm and jock itch Thrives in damp, humid conditions

17. Ringworm Fungal infection that develops on the top layer of your skin Red circular rash (raised edges) with a clear centre o Can have a scaly centre or red dots can be present Closely related to athletes foot Direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or animal

18. Fungi Matter!