A.Characteristics:

Heterotrophs (feed off other organisms)

Many fungi are saprobes (feed off of  dead and decaying organisms)

Some fungi are parasites (feed off of living organisms; for example, athlete’s foot)

B. Anatomy of Fungi

Main body is a mesh (mycelium) made of many smaller units (hypha).

Hypha is a single cell, surrounded by a cell wall of chitin.

Mushroom is one example of a fruiting body, used for reproduction.

C. Reproduction in Fungi

Most hypae are haploid (n).

When two hyphae join, they unite nuclei into one cell, which grows into fruiting

body.

Fruiting body (such as mushrooms) release spores.

D. Fungi Diversity

1. Club Fungi (Basidiomycetes):

Produce common mushrooms.

2. Zygomycetes: Includes bread molds.

3. Sac Fungi (Ascomycetes): Include organisms such as yeast and truffles.

E. Value of Fungi

Decompsers in nature

Mycorrhizae: Fungi and Plant grow together; fungi breaks down material in

    soil, releasing nutrients while plant provides food to fungi.

Lichen: Fungi and Algae growing together.

Fungi breaks down rock or soil, while algae provides photosynthesis.