This document defines key terms related to the classification and life cycles of various types of fungi. It explains structures like zygospores, rhizoids, stolons, and gametangia that are important in fungal reproduction and development. Additionally, it outlines the characteristics of asci, ascospores, basidia, and basidiospores that are indicative of specific fungal phyla. The key concepts reinforce that zygomycetes have life cycles involving zygospores, the phylum Ascomycota is defined by the ascus structure, and some fungi are classified as Deuteromycota when their sexual phase remains unobserved.

1. Classification of Fungi 21.2

2. Zygospore Resting spore that contains zygotes formed during the sexual phase of a mold’s life cycle.

3. Rhizoid In fungi, a root like hypha that penetrates the surface of an object; in mosses, a long, thin cell that anchors the moss to the ground and absorbs water and minerals from the surrounding soil.

4. Stolon In fungi, a stem like hypha that runs along the surface of an object; in plants, a long, trailing stem that produces roots when it touches the ground.

5. Gametangium Gamete-producing structure found in mold.

6. Conidium Tiny fungal spore that forms at the tips of specialized hyphae in ascomycetes.

7. Ascus Structure within the fruiting body of an ascomycetes in which two of different mating types fuse.

8. Ascospore Haploid spore produced within the ascus of ascomycetes.

9. Budding Asexual process by which yeasts increase in number; process of attaching a bud to a plant to produce a new branch.

10. Basidium Spore-bearing structure of a basidiomycetes.

11. Basidiospore Spore in basidiomycetes that germinates to produce haploid primary mycelia.

12. Key Concept Zygonmycetes have life cycles that include a zygospore.

13. Key Concept The phylum Ascomycota is named for the ascus, a reproductive structure that contains spores.

14. Key Concept The Deuteromycota are fungi that cannot be placed in other phyla because researchers have never been able to observe a sexual phase in their life cycles.