Introduction to the Kingdom Fungi. Main characteristics, classification and different types of fungi. Translation revision by Steven T. Gosch.

1. Pablo León Cruz www.biogeosfera.es
KINGDOM FUNGI

2. The fungi
Main characteristics of fungi
 Eukaryotic organisms.
 Can be unicellular or multicellular.
 Their cells have a chitin cell wall.
 Immobile organisms.
 They live preferably in humid places.
 They grow in the soil, on plants, on food ...
 Can be classified into yeasts, molds and fungi that form mushrooms.

3. The fungi
Vital functions of fungi
Nutrition: They are heterotrophic organisms and, depending on how they
obtain organic matter they can be:
 Saprophytes: Obtain nutrients from decomposing organic matter.
 Parasites: Obtain nutrients from other living things, which they
parasitize and cause damage.
 Symbiotes: Obtain nutrients from other living things in an association
that produces a mutual benefit.
Interaction: They can be free-living or grow associated with other
organisms, depending on the way they interact with the environment.
Reproduction: Unicellular fungi reproduce asexually by budding, while
multicellular fungi reproduce both asexually and sexually by spores.

4. Classification of fungi
Yeasts
 Unicellular fungi.
 Their cells are rounded.
 Most are free living.
 Some of them are used in the food industry, since through
fermentation numerous products are obtained: bread, beer, yogurt,
wine…
 Yeasts include some of the organisms most widely used in genetics
and cell biology experiments.

5. Classification of fungi
Yeasts

6. Classification of fungi
Molds
 Multicellular fungi.
 Their cells group together forming filaments called hyphae.
 The set of all hyphae is called mycelium.
 Some are free-living, while others are parasites.
 They grow in hot and humid conditions.
 They can be found in humid areas such as bathrooms, in places
where there is decomposition of leaves, on decaying foods, such as
fruit and bread, or in others that have them naturally, such as
camembert cheese or roquefort.
 Penicillin, an important antibiotic, is produced naturally by the
fungus Penicillium chrysogenum.

7. Classification of fungi
Molds

8. Classification of fungi
Fungi that form mushrooms
 Multicellular fungi.
 Their cells group together forming filaments called hyphae.
 The set of all hyphae is called mycelium.
 They inhabit humid and gloomy places, with abundant organic
matter in decomposition.
 During the breeding season the mycelium of the fungus produces
the mushroom, a structure intended for the production of spores.
The same fungus can produce several mushrooms close to each
other, since hyphae can reach considerable extensions.

9. Classification of fungi
Fungi that form mushrooms

10. Parts of a mushroom
Cap
Ring
Stem
Volva
Gills
Basidiospores
Basidium
Mycelium

11. Parts of a mushroom

12. Why are fungi important?
 In ecosystems they act as decomposers of soil organic matter and
transform it into simple compounds.
 Lichens are indicators of the environmental quality of an ecosystem and
are involved in soil formation.
 About 80% of land plants have their roots associated with fungi. Without
them, they would not resist problems such as drought or lack of
nutrients in the soil, or would be more sensitive to the attack of other
living things.
 Yeasts are used in the food industry to make products such as bread,
yogurt, beer or wine through a process called fermentation.
 There are very popular mushrooms in gastronomy, such as chanterelles,
boletus, champignons, thistle mushroom…
 Fungi have also been part of myths and legends, where mushrooms have
been considered as the home of gnomes and goblins.

13. What problems can fungi cause?
Some fungi can also cause problems for humans, among which the following
standing out:
 Allergies: Some people develop allergies to both fungi and their spores,
especially in places with some humidity.
 Intoxications: There are highly poisonous mushrooms that, if ingested,
can cause serious intoxications, and even death.
 Infections: There are diseases such as athlete's foot that are produced by
fungi that feed on the keratin of the nails or skin.

14. How to collect mushrooms?
To collect mushrooms there are two
essential items: the basket and the knife.
The mushrooms taken must be
transported in a wicker basket, never in
plastic bags that would prevent
perspiration, spoiling them. The basket
also allows the spores to fall as we walk
with it.
Before cutting we have to ask ourselves if we have identified the mushroom
well and if it has the necessary size to take it, otherwise it is better not to
touch it. We must not remove the soil or litter and we have to avoid tearing it
so as not to damage the mycelium.
With a suitable knife, we will proceed to cut the foot, trying not to take dirt or
mycelia of the fungus. If you have attached leaves or soil, you can gently
remove the largest ones, but its final cleaning will be done at home.
Adapted and translated from: https://www.directoalpaladar.com/ingredientes-y-alimentos/las-11-cosas-que-debes-saber-si-
vas-a-buscar-setas