Give me one example of a fungus. Today’s Bellringer: Give me one example of a fungus.

My Favorite Food: Mushrooms Kingdom Fungi My Favorite Food: Mushrooms

What Are Fungi? Fungi: They also: Are eukaryotes (have an organized nucleus) Have cell walls Are heterotrophs Use spores to reproduce They also: Need moist warm places to grow DO NOT MOVE

What Are Fungi? Cell Structure Can be unicellular or multicellular Most cells of fungi (except for yeast) are arranged in structures called hyphae. Hyphae- the branching, threadlike tubes that make up the bodies of multicellular fungi Fungi appearance depends on how hyphae are arranged Fuzzy-looking molds: loose hyphae Mushroom caps: tight hyphae

Cap Gills Stalk Hyphae Underground hyphae

What Are Fungi? Obtaining Food Absorb food through hyphae that grow into a food source 1. Fungus grows into the food source 2. Digestive chemicals ooze from hyphae into food 3. Chemicals break down the food into small substances to be absorbed by hyphae

Reproduction in Fungi Most reproduce by making spores Lightweight spores are surrounded by a protective covering and can be carried easily though air or water to new sites Fruiting Bodies: reproductive structure where spores are produced Vary in appearance in all fungi

Reproduction Asexual Most fungi reproduce sexually and asexually. Asexual- if there is adequate moisture Cells at the tips of hyphae divide to form spores Spores grow into fungi genetically identical to parent

Asexual Reproduction cont’d (Budding) Asexual reproduction in yeast cells is called budding. During this process, NO spores are produced. Small yeast cell grows from body of large, well-fed parent cell in a way similar to the bud forming on the branch of a tree. New cell breaks away and lives on its own.

Sexual Reproduction Most fungi can also reproduce sexually Done when growing conditions become unfavorable Hyphae of 2 fungi grow together Genetic material is exchanged New reproductive structure grows from the joined hyphae and produces spores Spores develop into fungi that differ genetically from parents

Classification of Fungi 3 major groups: Sac fungi- produce spores in sac-like structures. Include yeast, morels, and truffels Club fungi- produce spores in clublike structures. Include mushrooms, rusts, puffballs Zygote Fungi- produce very resistant spores Includes fruit and bread molds

The Role of Fungi in Nature Fungi can be: Food for many people Decomposers and recyclers on Earth Disease causing Used to fight diseases Found living in symbiosis with other organisms

Food and Fungi Yeasts- used in bread making and baking Molds- used to make cheeses Mushrooms- my favorite!!! Morel, button, portabella, Never pick and eat wild mushrooms, they may be poisonous

Environmental Recycling Fungi are decomposers Live in soil and break down chemicals in dead plant matter Returns nutrients to soil Imagine a world without decomposers……..YUCK!!!!!

Disease-fighting Fungi Alexander Fleming- discovered Penicillium mold in 1928 Produced first antibiotic of penicillin Since then, many antibiotics have been formed by molds and fungi Thank you Mr. Fleming!! Here is a website to visit for further info on Fleming and penicillin http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/FunFacts/penicillin.htm

Disease-causing Fungi Parasites that cause serious disease in plants Sac fungus causes Dutch elm disease Club fungus cause corn smut and wheat rust Some cause disease in humans Athlete’s foot fungus- irritation between toes Ringworm- itchy circular rash on skin Can easily spread from person to person Treated with antifungal medicines Here is a website that tells more about disease causing fungi if you are interested http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/FunFacts/endocarditis.htm

Fungus-Plant Root Associations Some fungi’s hyphae helps plants grow larger and healthier Hyphae spread out underground and absorb water/nutrients for plant Known as a mutualistic relationship

Lichens Lichen: consists of fungus and either algae or autotrophic bacteria that live together in a mutualistic relationship Fungi get: food Algae/bacteria get: Shelter, water, and minerals. Some plants cannot live without their fungal partner!! Anyone heard of independence?!

Lichens cont’d Called “pioneer” organisms Very sensitive to pollutants first appear on the bare rocks after a volcanic eruption, fire, or rock slide Lichens break down the rock into soil so other organisms can grow Very sensitive to pollutants Die when pollution levels rise Used to assess air quality in an area http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/FunFacts/UrbanTreasure.htm http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/FunFacts/DesertTreasure.htm