KINGDOM FUNGI

Unit 3

Warm-Up

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Introduction to Kingdom Fungi

What are Fungi?

Eukaryotic heterotrophs with cell walls made of chitin.

Fungi digest their food outside their bodies and then absorb it

May feed on decaying material or live as parasites

Structure and Function

Multicellular fungi are composed of thread-like tubes called hyphae.

Many hyphae are tangled together to form a thick network called the mycelium.

Structure and Function

The fruiting body (“mushroom”) is the reproductive structure which makes spores (“seeds” of fungi)

Structure and Function

Fairy Rings from when nutrients in the soil get used up. New mushrooms only sprout on the outer edges of the mycelium producing a ring.

Reproduction

Can reproduce both sexually and asexually

Sexual: Involves two mating types (+ and -). When hyphae of opposite types meet, they fuse and produce new spores with a mix of genetic material.

Asexual: Bits of hyphae break off, or spores scatter and start growing on their own.

Asexual Reproduction

Fungal spores are everywhere Molds spring up in any location with the

right temperature, moisture, and food. Spore scatter easily in the wind or take

advantage of animals who move them to new locations (Stinkhorn and flies)

Video

Video Quiz