Although slime molds like this are no longer classified as fungi (they were recently reclassified as a type of protist), they produce spores in a similar way to fungi. The pink sacs seen here are called sporangia, or they places where the spores are produced. Photography by Paul Zahl Protists & Fungi

On the following slides, the orange sections identify the main points; Underlined words = vocabulary! Hyperlinks are in yellow.

Kingdom Protista [AKA Protists] The kingdom Protista is probably the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Some are microscopic and others grow to be meters long. Some act like animals, while some act like plants. Some are poisonous and others are parasitic. Video This protist Trichonympha lives in the gut of termites to digest the cellulose of wood. ImageImage

A fisher gathers up algae to remove it from the water in Qingdao on July 6. The North China Sea Marine Forecasting Center recently predicted the thick masses of algae would continue spreading north, according to Xinhua. Photograph from ChinaFotoPressPhotograph from ChinaFotoPress

What is a protist? Key Characteristics: Eukaryotic [w/ nuclei, mitochondria, and other organelles] Uni and Multicellular Forms of MovementMovement

What is a protist? Cont. Types Plant-like protists photosynthesize [autotrophic] Animal-like protists [heterotrophic] Fungi-like protists decompose [heterotrophic] Image

From “Top Ten Weirdest Stories of 2012” – VideoVideo The living slime that may have been the muse for the 1958 science-fiction film The Blob just got creepier: In October, scientists reported that slime mold, a brainless single-celled organism, has a form of memory. Photograph by Audrey Dussutour Photograph by Audrey Dussutour

Diseases Caused by Protists Some protists cause disease, like sporozoans and have no structure for movement because they are parasitic; they are more complex and usually include multiple hosts. EX Plasmodium - causes malaria and infects both mosquitoes and humans. EX Amebic dysentery (Giardia) from infected water will cause severe diarrhea, nausea and fatigue; attaches to the host's intestinal lining. VideoVideo There are estimates that there may be as many as 2.5 million cases each year of Giardia intestinalis in the US alone(6). A single-celled protozoa, the parasite also poses a serious threat abroad, and exists at very high prevalence rates particularly in places with poor water sanitation. ImageImage

Protists in the Biosphere Take a deep breath! Thank a protist! Phytoplankton are microscopic protists that float near the surface of oceans and lakes and carry out photosynthesis. Video Image

Kingdom Fungi Although previously classified with plants, but they fungi are NOT autotrophs. Fungi Photography Fungi Photography Video Laetiporus sulphureus Photograph by Dan Molter

What is a fungus? Mycology = the study of Fungi Fungus – singular Fungi – plural Key Characteristics: Eukaryotic Heterotrophs [decomposing “feeders”] Uni Multicellular Typically cannot move [AKA sessile] their own

How are fungi different from plants? 4 Reasons: Lack chlorophyll [the green pigment in chloroplasts], therefore they are NOT photosynthetic Most are saphrophytes [“feeds” on dead or decaying matter] Some are parasites - VideoVideo Never reproduce by seeds Most have cell walls of chitin, except molds [NOT cellulose like plants]

What is a fungus? Cont. Types Chytrids – primitive fungi, typically aquatic with flagella Image

What is a fungus? Cont. Types Sac Fungi – include morels and truffles used in cooking plus yeast, which makes bread rise Image

What is a fungus? Cont. Types Bread Molds – found on spoiled food and within the soil to assist plants Image

What is a fungus? Cont. Types Club Fungi– creates above ground fruiting body to reproduce; EX mushrooms, puffballs, shelf fungi, etc. Image

Diseases Caused by Fungi Plant pathogens - Fungal diseases are estimated to be responsible for between 15 to 50% of the world’s crop loss. EX black stem rust [infects wheat, rice ], corn smut, and ergot [Salem Witch Trials Video]Salem Witch Trials Video Human pathogens The microorganism Candida albicans is responsible for ringworm, athletes foot, and yeast infections of the female reproductive tract.

Fungi in the Biosphere Fungi are important in the fact that they recycle materials back into the soil to replenish it for other organisms; as decomposers they are essential elements in the ecosystems of Earth.