Kingdom FungiAP Biology Chapter 31

General Characteristics

Eukaryotic Heterotrophic Often decomposers Some parasitic Cell walls of chitin Main structure underground Prefer dark, moist habitats

Basic Body Plan of a Fungus Hyphae woven into mycelium

mat Can be HUGE (one example is

3.4 miles diameter) Filaments Reproductive structure is the

mushroom

Yeast

SINGLE CELL fungi

Plant-like characteristics of Fungi Non-mobile Flower-like reproductive

structure Alternation of generations Cell wall Spores moved by wind/other

animals

Animal-like characteristics of Fungi heterotrophic

Currently 5 Phyla/divisions of Fungi

The newest was first identified between 2001-2002

1. chytidiomycota

Aquatic- have flagellated stage

Absorb nutrients Chitin cell walls Coenocytic hyphae

2. zygomycota

Terrestrial Live ON dead matter Form mycorrhizae on plant

roots Coenocytic hyphae

3. Ascomycota

Sac fungi Often pathogenic- saprobes Mutualistic- lichins Asci- the sace for spores in an

ascocarp

4. Basidiomycota

Club fungi Basidium- club-like diploid

stage Decompose wood Mainly use sexual

reproduction Grow fast

5. glomeromycota

USED to be in zygomycota About 160-200 species known Abuscular mycorrhizae- tree-

like growths INTO plant roots

Mushrooms: Haploid/Diploid? Dikaryotic= one cell with 2

nuclei that haven’t fused yet

Individual answers may differ for this question…but what was your reasoning

What terrestrial features do fungi have? Root-like system called

mycelium

Why are they important to ecosystems? Decomposers Many mutualistic relationships

Lichins= algae + fungi Commonly found on rocks/soil Main food source for caribou (aka

reindeer)

Common parasites on other organisms

How are fungi important to humans? Produce medicine- penicillin

and blood pressure medications

Used in baking and fermented foods/beverages- yogurt, beers, breads

Food source for humans Cause damage to crops Human illness- ringworm and

athletes foot

Truffles are among the most expensive items a chef can purchase to use in a recipe: $250-$450 per pound!

Lichins

Algae+ ascomycete in symbiotic relationship

They are found on rocks, logs, roofs, trees, etc.k

Pioneer species on newly cleared land

Arctic tundra

Adaptations of Lichins

Can absorb large amounts of water

Photosynthetic Photosynthesis stops in dry

climate to keep the organism alive

Live a very long time They use the other piece’s

adaptations.