Fungi are classified in their own kingdomThe study of Fungi is called Mycology

Heterotrophic Filamentous bodies Cell walls contain chitin Unique mitosis: nuclear membrane does

not disintegrate

Fungi are composed of hyphae Slender filaments Long string of cells divided by septa Septa do not form a complete barrier

Hyphae form a mycelium Branched and tangled mass Increased SA/V ratio: absorption

How fungi obtain food Secrete digestive enzymes from hyphae Absorb and use molecules for energy Most fungi are decomposers: they live on decaying organisms. Decompose organic matter: leaves, branches, animal corpses,

animal waste Some fungi are parasites

they extract food from living organisms.

Fungi are indiscriminate absorbers Fruit Vegetables Meat Paper Leather Paint Petroleum

Commercially valuable

Yeast produce CO2 and alcohol:

brewing, baking, and wine-making

Produce pungent flavors of cheese

(i.e. camembert and roquefort)

Source of antibiotics (i.e. penicillin)

Phylum Zygomycota

common molds

Phylum Basidiomycota

club fungi

Phylum Ascomycota

sac fungi

Lichens Symbiotic association: fungi + alga Fungus: absorbs minerals Alga: conducts photosynthesis

Lichen diversity

Foliose: Crustose: Fruticose:leaf-like crusty shrub-like

Lichens Key component of primary succession:

prepare environment for other organisms

Sensitive to pollution (particularly SO2)

Mycorrhizae Symbiotic relationship: plant roots + fungi Hyphae grow between soil particles and into

decomposing matter: absorb minerals Transfer minerals to plant roots

The Good and Bad GOOD: Fungi are used to produce ethanol,

alcohol, bread, etc. Some are also good to eat: Morels, Truffles, Portabella, etc.

BAD: May cause health problems – ringworm, athlete’s foot, allergies, yeast infections, etc.