1. Explain the term sac fungi? How do sac fungi reproduce asexually?

Sac fungi are also known as Ascomycota. Sac fungi make up the majority of the fungi population.
Ascomycota is a kingdom phylum. Fungi that form the subkingdom Dikarya with the Basidiomycota
(Wikipedia Contributors, 2022). It is a fungi phylum distinguished by a saclike structure. This is
divided into subgroups based on whether asci are born singly or in one of several fruiting structures or
ascocarps. The "ascus," a microscopic sexual structure in which nonmotile spores called ascospores
are formed, is the defining feature of this fungal group. However, some Ascomycota species are
asexual, which means they lack a sexual cycle and thus do not produce asci or ascospores (Wikipedia
Contributors, 2022).
Asexual reproduction is the most common mode of propagation in the Ascomycota, and it is
responsible for the fungi's rapid spread into new areas. It happens via vegetative reproductive spores
called conidia (Vedantu, 2020). Conidiospores typically have one nucleus and are the result of mitotic
cell divisions; thus, they are genetically identical to the mycelium from which they originate. They
typically form at the tips of specialized hyphae known as conidiophores. They may be dispersed by
wind, water, or animals, depending on the species (Wikipedia Contributors, 2022).
Asexual reproduction in sac fungi contain two different processes:
i. Conidia formation, the formation of a fungus's asexual, non-motile haploid spores.
Conidiospores have one nucleus and are sometimes referred to as mitospores.
Conidia, also known as mitospores, are formed by mitosis and typically have a single
nucleus. They grow from mycelium and are genetically identical to it. They grow in
conidiophores at the specialized ends of hyphae and disperse from them through the
action of wind, water, or animals (Vedantu, 2020).

ii. Ascomycetes' asexual reproduction process includes budding, which we can see in
yeast. Blebbing of the hyphal tip wall is involved. The chitin ring appears at the site
of bud formation before the formation of the bud; this chitin ring provides stability.
The contents of the cells are forced into the newly formed bud, which eventually
separates from the parent body and develops into a new organism (Vedantu, 2020).
2. Draw and explain a diagram of the life cycle of atypical mushroom.

i. Spore Phase

Mushroom spores are microscopic reproductive units produced by fungi, as well as

some plant and algae species (Sayner, 2021). In addition, mushroom spores represent
new life for the next generation of mushrooms. It was carried by wind or water until it
eventually settled on a surface with favourable conditions for growth.

ii. Germ Phase

Mushroom spores can detect when they are in an area with adequate moisture and
food (Sayner, 2021). They then germinate and form what is known as a germ tube. A
germ tube is a single-celled spore's first multicellular outgrowth. Mitosis initiates the
process of differentiation and growth.

iii. Hyphae Phase

The germ tube eventually develops into what is known as hyphae. These are the
structures that fungi use to begin gathering nutrients and energy and to grow even
further. Long, thin strings of hyphae spread out through a growing medium. They
secrete digestive enzymes that break down food in order to fuel further growth
(Sayner, 2021).

iv. Mature Mycelium Phase

Mycelium develops when hyphae begin to form a larger colony. Mycelium are the
roots of mushrooms. However, depending on where they are in their life cycle, not all
 hyphae have formed a mycelium colony yet (Sayner, 2021). Mycelium will
eventually spread and consume all of the organic material in a given substrate.
Mature mycelium then waits to be exposed to specific conditions, such as specific
levels of carbon dioxide or temperature, as well as light and humidity. They will then
begin to fruit and produce mushrooms. When the mushroom has fully matured, it
releases its spores, and the cycle begins again. This fungus spends the majority of its
life as a mycelium (Sayner, 2021). At this point, your growing medium will have
transitioned from thin white strands to thick patches of fluffy white mycelium.
Mycelium functions similarly to an inside-out stomach, secreting enzymes to break
down and feed on things like leaves and wood (Sayner, 2021).

v. Hyphal knot growth 

When mycelium is ready to begin producing mushrooms, it begins to form structures

known as hyphal knots. Hyphal knots are also known as primordium, and the process
of creating hyphal knots is commonly referred to as "pinning" (Sayner, 2021). The
first visible sign of structures that will eventually become mushrooms is hyphal knots.
At this point, hyphal knots will begin to grow quickly and will eventually mature into
mature fruit bodies.

3. Give an example of imperfect fungi that serve humans and examples of those that cause
disease.

Good Imperfect Fungi Bad Imperfect Fungi

Penicillium roqueforti – aid in the Histoplasma capsulatum – cause
production of blue cheese pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis

This fungus is widely used in the production This fungus causes histoplasmosis and lives
of flavoring agents, antifungals, in the environment, particularly in soil with
polysaccharides, proteases, and other a high concentration of bird or bat
enzymes. It's also found in Roquefort, droppings (Histoplasmosis, 2020).
Stilton, Danish blue, Cabrales, Gorgonzola, Histoplasmosis can be contracted by
and other blue cheeses (Wikipedia inhaling microscopic fungal spores in the
Contributors, 2022). Microorganism strains air. Although most people who inhale the
are also used to produce compounds that spores do not become ill, those who do may
can be used as antibiotics, flavors, and experience fever, coughing, and fatigue.
fragrances. Many people with histoplasmosis will
recover without treatment, but for those
with a weakened immune system, the
infection can be severe.
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