Chapter 21 - Fungi

 

  1. Characteristics

    1. eukaryotes
    2. most are multi-cellular
    3. heterotrophs
      1. saprobes - nutrients from non-living, organic matter
      2. parasites - nutrients from living organisms
      3. secrete digestive enzymes and absorb the nutrients released
    4. may reproduce sexually or asexually
    5. produce spores
    6. fungus is composed of hyphae
    7. hyphae make up the mycelium
  2.  
  3. Major groups

    1. club fungi
      1. includes mushrooms, shelf fungi, coral fungi, puffballs
      2. important decomposers
      3. human impact
      4. fungal life cycle [Figure 21.4]
    2. zygomycetes
      1. includes bread mold
      2. human impact
      3. fungal life cycle [Figure 21.7]
    3. sac fungi
      1. includes morels and yeasts
      2. human impact
      3. ascospores
  4.  
  5. Symbiotic relationships

    1. 2 organisms living together and both benefit
    2. lichens [Figure 21.8]
      1. usually sac fungus and cyanobacteria
      2. live in hostile environments
      3. fungus gets nutrient source
      4. cyanobacteria get shelter
    3. mycorrhizae [Figure 21.9]
      1. between fungus and plant roots
      2. fungus gets sugars
      3. plant gets minerals

     


  6. © Carol L. Wymer, 2003