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Fungi, eukaryotic heterotrophs, play vital roles as saprophytes, parasites, and symbionts in nature. They release exoenzymes to break down organic matter, serving as essential decomposers. The body of fungi comprises hyphae forming mycelium, and they reproduce both asexually and sexually. Fungi have ecological significance in recycling living material and are involved in parasitic and symbiotic relationships with various organisms. Explore the diverse world of fungi and their ecological roles in the environment.
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Fungi • Eukaryotic Heterotrophs • Many are saprophytes (organisms that obtain nutrients from decaying matter) • Some are parasites • Some are symbionts (live associated with another organism)
Fungi do not ingest their food They release digestive enzymes (exoenzymes) which break down organic molecules into simple molecules • This makes fungi important in nature: decomposers!
Fungi • Body of typical fungi:Tiny filaments (Hyphae) tangled in a thick mass called a Mycelium
Typical mushroom • Labeled mushroom
In many, they are divided by cross walls into cells containing more than one nuclei • Cell walls are made of chitin (carbohydrate/protein)
Reproduction • Most fungi reproduce both asexually and sexually • Asexually – spores produced in structures called sporangia • Sexually – (occurs underground) • Two different mating types (+ and -) • When hyphae of opposite mating types meet, they hyphae fuse but the nuclei do not – results in dikaryotic mycelium • Fruiting body is extension of dikaryotic mycelium
Many fungi produce dry, almost weightless spores that are easily scattered by the wind
Ecological significance • Principle role is to decompose and recycle living material • Fungi are found in almost every environment! • Mushrooms develop from mycelium located just below the ground
Symbiotic Relationships • Mutualism • Lichens • • symbiotic association held in a hyphae mesh • •alga provides food, fungus provides physical environment • •pioneer organisms • •air pollution detection • Mycorrhizae • •root and fungi mutualism • •found in 95% of vascular plants •exchange of organic minerals •increases absorptive surface of roots
Parasitism • Ringworm MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ringworm, tinea corporis on an infant's leg • Athlete's Foot
Fungi and Human Life • Baking, brewing, winemaking (Yeast) • Roquefort and Blue cheeses • Penicillin – antibiotic made from common fruit mold • Mushrooms, Truffles
Fairy Ring • Fairy rings develop when nutrients are depleted in middle