THE FUNGUS AMONG USKINGDOM FUNGI

More than just MushroomsMushroomsClub: Typical shape of mushroom, with spores on gills

More than just MushroomsMushroomsClubCup: Spores are in cup instead of gills

More than just MushroomsMushroomsMoldsOften found on food and decaying plant material

More than just MushroomsMushroomsMoldsYeastsUnicellular fungi, reproduces by budding

More than just MushroomsMushroomsMoldsYeastLichensGrow on rocks and wood, a combination of a fungus and cyanobacteria

CAPSCALESRING (ANNULUS)GILLSCUP (VOLVA)STALK (STIPE)MYCELLIUM (HYPHAE)

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

STRUCTUREFUNCTIONCapCovers and protects the gillsGillsContains hyphae that produce sporesStalk or StipeSupports the CapSporeCell that develops into a new organismHyphaeThreadlike structure built of fungal cellsMycelliumBody of fungus (except spores) made of tangled hyphae

ROLES OF FUNGI:DecompositionOrganic material is recycled by bacteria and fungi. It is broken down into its original components like Carbon and Nitrogen

ROLES OF FUNGI:DecompositionExample: Pilobolus fungi decomposes dung of grazing animals. Unique for its ability to aim at the light and shoot its spore packet so it will land on grass and be eaten by another grazing animal. The entire life cycle is then repeated

Pilobolus

ROLES OF FUNGI:SymbiosisMycorrhizal Fungi: Symbiotic fungi that live in or around roots of plants. They get food (sugar) from the plant in exchange for water and nutrientsIt is estimated that 99.9% of all plants have a fungal partner

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Benefits of a Fungal Partner

ROLES OF FUNGI:PathogensSome fungi are parasitic, causing damage or death to plants, animals, and even other fungiCan cause severe damage to many crop plants including corn, wheat, potatoes, and fruits

Harmful Fungi

Harmful Fungi

Harmful Fungi

Harmful Fungi

ROLES OF FUNGI:MedicinesPenicillin: Alexander Fleming discovered that mold could kill bacteria in 1928. During WWII (1940s) the drug we know today was developed

ROLES OF FUNGI:FoodSeveral Mushrooms are used in our foodSpecialty Cheeses like Blue Cheese, Brie, etc.Bread, Beer, and Wine are made with yeast