Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that are classified into groups such as zygomycetes, ascomycota, and basidiomycota based on their structure and reproduction. They play important ecological roles as decomposers that recycle nutrients, form symbiotic relationships with plants and lichen, and are found in a variety of habitats. Fungi are also economically significant as sources of food, causes of crop damage and disease, and in industries like baking, brewing, and medicine production.

2. What are the characteristics ofWhat are the characteristics of
Fungi?Fungi?
Most Multicellular (except yeast)
Eukaryotes – cells contain a nucleus
Heterotrophic – are consumers like
animals (eat food)
Most are decomposers (recycle)
Cell walls composed of chitin

3. Structures of FungiStructures of Fungi
Body made of mycelium (grows below
ground)
Fruiting body- part that reproduces (grows
above ground)
Mycelium and fruiting body made of
hyphae- string-like structures

4. Mycelium
Fruiting
body
Hyphae
The Structure of a Mushroom

5. III. Growth and ReproductionIII. Growth and Reproduction
Most Fungi develop from a spore into a hyphae,
then a mycelium
Spores are microscopic- they are everywhere!
1. Spores are easily carried by wind or animals
When conditions are favorable a fruiting body
can grow overnight!
1. Fungi like warm, moist environments
Can reproduce sexually or asexually
1. Sexually -Involves 2 mating types (+) and (-)

6. FERTILIZATION
MEIOSIS
HYPHAE FUSE
Fruiting body (N+N)
Button
+ Mating type (N)
- Mating type (N)
Basidiospores
(N)
Zygote
(2N)
Basidia
(N + N)
Gills
lined with
basidia
Gills
Stalk
Base
Cap
Haploid
Diploid
Figure 21-8 The Life Cycle of a
Basidiomycete
Page 534

7. How are Fungi classified?How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold

8. Zygomycetes
http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg

9. How are Fungi classified?How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold
Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast

10. http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg

11. How are Fungi classified?How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold
Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast
Basidiomycota- The club fungi ex: mushroom

12. Basidiomycota
http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg

13. Basidiomycota
http://mercury.bio.uaf.edu/courses/biol105/Lectures/Section4/4b4d1_31_06.jpg

14. How are Fungi classified?How are Fungi classified?
Divided into major groups based on
structure and reproduction
Zygomycetes- The common molds ex: black
bread mold
Ascomycota- The sac fungi ex: yeast
Basidiomycota- The club fungi ex: mushroom
Deutermycota- The imperfect fungi (no known
sexual life cycle) ex: Penicillium

15. Ecology of FungiEcology of Fungi
Decomposers – recycle nutrients

16. During the Revolutionary WarDuring the Revolutionary War
The British
lost more
ships to
fungal rot
than to
enemy fire

17. Ecology of FungiEcology of Fungi
Pioneer species- important for soil
formation
lichen- break down rock into soil; it is
symbiotic relationship between a fungus
and a photosynthetic organism

18. Densely packed
hyphae
Layer of algae/
cyanobacteria
Loosely packed
hyphae
Densely packed
hyphae
Lichen Structure

19. Lichen is a pioneer species
and help with the formation
of soil.

20. The acids in the lichens break down the
rock over time and these particles of rock
mix with dead lichen to form soil.

22. Ecology of FungiEcology of Fungi
Pioneer species- important for soil
formation; break down rock into soil
lichen- very important pioneer species; it is
symbiotic relationship between a fungus and
a photosynthetic organism
Mycorrhizae- symbiotic relationship
between plants and fungus; plant gets
water and nutrients and fungus gets a
place to live on the roots of the plant

25. Ecology of FungiEcology of Fungi
Mycorrhizae- symbiotic relationship
between plants and fungus
Important in Baking and Brewing -making
bread and other products

27. Eaten as foods

28. Truffle

30. Blue Cheese: Penicillium roquefortii is used in the manufacture of
blue cheeses e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton, Danish Blue etc.
During the fermentation process the fungus spores are injected into the
curd. Growth of the fungus imparts a pleasant tang to the final
product. By the way, the blue in the blue-cheese is caused by the
pigment in the spores (conidia) of the fungus. So, when you eat blue
cheese you are consuming spores by the million.

32. Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)

34. Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)
Cause human diseases and illnesses
athletes foot

36. Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)
Cause human diseases and illnesses
athletes foot
ringworm

38. Eaten as foods
Responsible for crop damage (as much as
50% in tropical areas)
Cause human diseases and illnesses
athletes foot
ringworm
thrush

40. Used in medicine production: penicillin,
high blood pressure, pain medications

41. THE END