BIO 1004

Classification of Fungi12-2

Fungi Classification

Classified based upon their structure and reproduction

4 main groups are: Common molds Sac fungi Club fungi Imperfect fungi

Common Molds

These are the familiar molds that grow on meat, cheese, and bread

Phylum zygomycotaHave life cycles that include a zygospore

Zygospore – resting spore that contains zygotes formed from sexual phase of life cycle

Life Cycle: Hyphae fuse forming gametangia Through meiosis, it produces genetically different

spores

Structure of Bread Mold

2 types of hyphae on bread mold Rhizoids – anchor fungus to the bread, release

digestive enzymes, and absorb nutrients Stolons – run along the surface of bread Sporangiophores – hyphae that push into air and

contain spores One may contain 40000 spores

Sac Fungi

Phylum AscomycotaNamed for ascus – the reproductive structure

that produces sporesLargest phylum of fungiCup fungi, yeast, etc.

Sac Fungi

Includes both sexual and asexual portions of life cycle

Tiny spores called “conidia” are formed at tips of hyphae called conidiophores

Ascus – forms within the fruiting body This is where the two mating types fuse forming the

zygote Ascospores are the zygote (8 produced)

Club Fungi

Phylum BasidiomycotaGet name from specialized reproductive

structure that resembles a clubThis spore bearing structure is called the

“basidium” These are found in the gills on the underside of

mushroom caps

Club Fungi Cont.

For reproductive structures to form, moisture and nutrient content of soil has to be perfect

Growth of mushroom is caused by cell enlargement due to intake of water

Basidiospores are located in gills Can produce billions or trillions of spores Ex: jelly fungi, puff balls, star

Imperfect Fungi

Phylum DeuteromycotaNO sexual phase of life cycleImperfect implies that we do not fully

understand their life cycleSource of anti-biotic penicillin