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Basic Characteristics
Fungi are heterotrophs
Fungal cell walls are made of chitin.
Fungi are multicellular organisms, with the exception of yeasts.
ASCOMYCOTAcharacteristics
“sac fungi” – sacs (asci) within ascocarp
BASIDIOMYCOTAcharacteristics
Basidiocarp aboveground structure consisting of a stalk & cap with rows of gills radiating out from the center
Reproduction
Most fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually.
Yeasts reproduce asexually through budding.
Fungi reproduce sexually by producing spores. (Look back at different phyla).
Fungi may be decomposers, pathogens, or mutualists.
Fungi and bacteria are the main decomposers in any ecosystem. decompose dead leaves, twigs, logs, and
animals
return nutrients to the soil
can damage fruit trees and wooden structures
Fungi can act as pathogens.
human diseases include ringworm and athlete’s foot
plant diseases include Dutch elm disease
Mold spores
Attack crops (corn)
Fungi can act as mutualists.
- lichens form between fungi and algae
- mycorrhizae form between fungi and plants
Benefits/Advantages
Production of antibiotics –penicillin, cephalosporin
Yeast is used to produce ethanol, a main ingredient in the automobile fuel gasohol
Benefits
Used in food industry:
Mushrooms used as food – Agaricus(white button), shiitake, portabella, truffles, morels
Cheeses – blue, brie
Breads – yeast causes bread to rise
Disadvantages
Mold spores can cause mild to severe allergies – sniffling, sneezing, & respiratory distress
Attack food crops – corn, beans, onions, squashes, tomatoes
Cause skin infections – athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, vaginal yeast infection
Can be poisonous Amanita (“death angel” or “destroying angel”)
can destroy the liver within 1 week Aspergillus produce aflatoxins – poisons that
cause liver cancer