KINGDOM FUNGI Unit 3

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Introduction to Kingdom Fungi

What are Fungi?  Eukaryotic heterotrophs with cell walls made of chitin.  Fungi digest their food outside their bodies and then absorb it  May feed on decaying material or live as parasites

Structure and Function  Multicellular fungi are composed of thread-like tubes called hyphae.  Many hyphae are tangled together to form a thick network called the mycelium.

Structure and Function  The fruiting body (“mushroom”) is the reproductive structure which makes spores (“seeds” of fungi)

Structure and Function  Fairy Rings from when nutrients in the soil get used up. New mushrooms only sprout on the outer edges of the mycelium producing a ring.

Reproduction  Can reproduce both sexually and asexually  Sexual: Involves two mating types (+ and -). When hyphae of opposite types meet, they fuse and produce new spores with a mix of genetic material.  Asexual: Bits of hyphae break off, or spores scatter and start growing on their own.

Asexual Reproduction  Fungal spores are everywhere  Molds spring up in any location with the right temperature, moisture, and food.  Spore scatter easily in the wind or take advantage of animals who move them to new locations (Stinkhorn and flies)

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