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