Classification of Fungi Biology 112

How are fungi organized? Fungi are organized according to their structure and function of reproduction This makes them distinct from any other kingdom How are fungi organized?

Common Molds Phylum Zygomycota (zygomycetes) Have life cycles that includes a zygospore A resting spore that contains zygotes Formed by the sexual phase of the mold’s life cycle Hyphae change in their structure over time Reproduction occurs between different mating types that fuse and produce a gametangia The zygote may remain dormant until favorable environmental conditions occur New combinations of genetic variation occurs Common Molds

Bread Mold (Rhizopus stolonifer) Hyphae include: Those that break the surface, called rhizoids Those that run along the surface, called stolons Bread Mold (Rhizopus stolonifer)

Sac Fungi Phylum Ascomycota Contain an ascus a reproductive structure that contains spores Largest phylum in the fungi kingdom Includes asexual and sexual reproduction Asexual: tiny spores called conidia form at the tips of specialized hyphae Sexual: two different mating types form within the ascus of the fruiting body and combine Sac Fungi

Yeasts Unicellular Dry yeast are ascospores (fertilized zygotes) Reproduce asexually by budding Yeasts

Club Fungi Phylum Basidiomycota Contain a reproductive structure that resembles a club, or a basidiospore Found on the gills on the underside of mushroom caps Reproduction results in a fruiting body that produces spores which begins as a mass of hyphae referred to as a button Club Fungi

Mushrooms/Club Fungi All club fungi are decomposers Some may be parasites of plants and animals Some are poisonous Mushrooms/Club Fungi

Those fungi discovered by scientists who’s reproductive cycle is unknown Most famous example is penicillium Imperfect Fungi