FUNGI

An Overview

Characteristics of Fungi
Eukaryotic
Nonphotosynthetic

( heterotrophic)
Most are multicellular
Most are microscopic molds or yeasts

The study fungi is known as MYCOLOGY.

Structure of Fungi
Filaments

of fungi
are called hyphae.
The cell walls
contain chitin.
The MYCELIUM is a
mat of hyphae
visible to the
unaided eye ( bread
mold)
Some hyphae may
divided by cross
sections called septa

Septated

Unseptated coenocytic

Reproduction
Most

fungi reproduce both sexually

and asexually.
Asexual reproduction production of
various types of spores
Sporangiophores- upright stalk with an
enclosed sac ( bread mold)
Conidia - upright stalk with no enclosed
sac (penicillin)
Fragmentation hyphae dry out and
shatter releasing individual cells that act
like spores (athletes foot)
Budding small offspring

 Sexual

reproduction

plus and minus mating types

Hyphae of different mating types fuse and
give rise to a specialized structure that
produces spores ( diploid)
Most fungi are haploid throughout most of
their life cycle
When

environmental conditions are

favorable, asexual reproduction occurs
rapidly. When unfavorable conditions
stress the organism, sexual reproduction
occurs and the offspring have an
increased likehood that they will be
better suited for the environment.

Fungi decompose dead plant

and animal matter.
Called

saprophytes, they act as recyclers of

dead organic matter, obtaining food from this
material.
Hyphal tips release enzymes that eventually
decompose and release organic materials
into the surrounding environment.
Saprophytic fungi appear on dead trees, logs,
plant litter such as leaves, and even dead
insects and animals. Examples: "Gemstudded Puffball" (Lycoperdon perlatum) and
"Turkey Tail"(Trametes versicolor).

Fungi and Humans

Many

people have allergies triggered

by mold.
Fungal skin infections skin, nails and
hair
Ringworm, athletes foot
Internal

organs - Histoplasmosis

Fungi in Industry
Fungi

produce many products used in

the medical field such as penicillin,
cephalosporin antibotics, cortisone
Fungi are used in genetic engineering
vaccine for hepatitis B was developed
using the yeast plasmid as the vector.
Yeast is used to make ethanol.
Yeast are known for making breads rise.

Fungi in the Food Industry

Mushrooms,
morels and
truffles are
widely
consumed by
humans.

Fungi are Plant Pathogens

Many

fungi attack
grain or fruit.

Fungi form beneficial

partnerships (symbiosis) with
other organisms such as trees
and flowering plants:
Algae

hyphae

Lichen symbiotic
relationship between
algae and fungi

Lab