Part 4: Fungi

Traits

• Multicellular, eukaryotic, non-motile

• Cell walls made of chitin

• Heterotrophic (absorb food!)– Have filaments called hyphae…used to anchor,

feed, & reproduce– Network of hyphae called a mycelium

• Habitat = everywhere! (but usu. moist areas)

Examples of Fungi

• Mushrooms

• Molds

• Yeast

• Shelf fungi

• Morels

• Lichen

Harmful Effects• Disease

– Athlete’s foot; yeast infections; toenail fungus; ringworm; etc

• Crop/food damage– Plants hit especially

hard– Cattle diseases

Helpful Effects• Decomposers

– Break down dead stuff

• Some antibiotics (penicillin)

• Food products– Yeast = breads, beer, etc– Some cheeses; mushrooms

The End

How do fungi get their food?• Secrete enzymes into surrounding matter…

hyphae soak up nutrients

• Is extracellular digestion… absorb nutrients after they have been broken down

How do fungi get their food?

• Grouped according to where they get food:– Saprophytes…from dead stuff (ex: mold on food)– Mutualists…symbiotic relationship (ex: lichen)– Parasites…from living organisms (ex: toe fungus)

How do fungi reproduce?

• Asexually (no transfer of DNA)– Fragmentation –

pieces break off & grow into new fungi bodies

– Budding – new cell pinches off from old one (occurs in yeasts)

How do fungi reproduce?• Sexually (transfer of DNA)

– Spores are reproductive cells that turn into new fungi bodies

– Very large # of spores made; are small & light for easy dispersal