Introduction to Fungi

1. Introduction to Fungi

2. What Are Fungi? • Eukaryotes – have a nucleus and organelles • Use spores to reproduce • Heterotrophs – absorb nutrients from the environment • Can be unicellular, but most are multicellular • Need warm, moist environment to grow

3. How are Fungi Different from Plants? • Plants are autotrophs and make their own food. Fungi are heterotrophs. • Plants cell walls are made of a substance called cellulose. Fungi have cells walls made of chitin. • Plants depend on sunlight to grow. Fungi do not require sunlight.

4. Cell Structure of Fungi • Except for yeast cells (which are unicellular), the cells of fungi are arranged into hyphae. • Hyphae – branching, threadlike tubes

5. Mycelium Mycelium – groups of hyphae that grow together in groups. • Mycelium perform different jobs: • Form reproductive structures • Anchor the fungus • Gather food

6. How Do Fungi Obtain Food? • Fungus grows hyphae into a food source. • Digestive chemicals ooze from hyphae into the food. • Digestive chemicals break down the food into small substances that can be absorbed by the hyphae.

7. What Do Fungi Feed On? • Mutualists – feed on other living organisms and do not harm the organims • Parasites – feed on other living organims and harm the organism • Saprophytes – feed on waste and dead material

8. Different Ways Fungi Feed Ophiocordyceps unilateralisis a fungus that produces “zombie ants”. The fungus takes over the brain function of the ant and the ant dies. Truffles grow on oak tree roots. They do not harm the tree. They provide the tree with nitrogen. Agaricus feeds on decaying plant Matter.