Fungi

What are fungi?

• Fungi are not plant or animal– They cannot move around like an animal– They breakdown organic matter

• They have no chlorophyll (plants do)

• They are heterotrophic & eukaryotic

• Classified by the type of spores they have

http://herbarium.usu.edu/fungi/FunFacts/factindx1.htm

Structure

• Most of the structures you cant see without a microscope

• Most have thread-like strands called hyphae (hypha = singular)

• Most fungi produce a mass called mycelium (commonly referred to as mold).

• Mycelium can be any size from tiny clusters to acres, these feed and help the fungus grow.

Feeding

• Hyphae feed on organic remains by using digestive enzymes to dissolve the organic matter.

• They then reabsorb the nutrients.

• They accumulate nutrients until the internal and external conditions are right for the production of “fruiting body”.

http://www.hiddenforest.co.nz/fungi/class/what.htm

Zygomycota / Sporangia

Ascomycota / Asci

Basidiomycota & Basidia

Lichens: Plant or Fungi?

Lichens

• A lichen is a symbiotic relationship between a:– Fungus– Green Algae

• Pioneer’s to a disturbed site

• Symbiosis = “Mutualism” Both Benefit by the partnership – Fungus provides mineral nutrients– Algae provides ‘photosynthesis’

And now to finish Fungi…

And thoroughly “gross you out” …

Ugly fungus…

…if this doesn’t get you to wash your toes in the shower – nothing will!

Bye Bye Fungus!