Chapter 21 - Fungi
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Characteristics
- eukaryotes
- most are multi-cellular
- heterotrophs
- saprobes - nutrients from non-living, organic matter
- parasites - nutrients from living organisms
- secrete digestive enzymes and absorb the nutrients released
- may reproduce sexually or asexually
- produce spores
- fungus is composed of hyphae
- hyphae make up the mycelium
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Major groups
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club fungi
- includes mushrooms, shelf fungi, coral fungi, puffballs
- important decomposers
- human impact
- fungal life cycle [Figure 21.4]
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zygomycetes
- includes bread mold
- human impact
- fungal life cycle [Figure 21.7]
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sac fungi
- includes morels and yeasts
- human impact
- ascospores
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Symbiotic relationships
- 2 organisms living together and both benefit
- lichens [Figure 21.8]
- usually sac fungus and cyanobacteria
- live in hostile environments
- fungus gets nutrient source
- cyanobacteria get shelter
- mycorrhizae [Figure 21.9]
- between fungus and plant roots
- fungus gets sugars
- plant gets minerals
© Carol L. Wymer, 2003