FUNGI

-a group of eukaryotic, non-

phototrophic organisms with
rigid cell walls, that includes
mushrooms, molds and yeasts
 Fungi are eukaryotic
 Fungi have cell walls composed
mainly of a carbohydrate called chitin
 Fungi are heterotrophs
 Fungi are achlorophyllous
 The (carbohydrate) molecule used to
store energy in fungi is glycogen
 In general, fungi can reproduce both
sexually and asexually(by forming and
releasing spores)

Characteristics
1. Hyphae
-network of
thin thread-like
structures that
form the “body” of
a fungus
- grow and
branch until they
cover and digest
the food source

Parts
 2. Mycelium
-a mass of
hyphae
- usually
hidden in the
soil, in wood,
or another
food source

Parts
1. Molds
-have filamentous hyphae
-produce airborne spores or
conidia (asexual propagules)
-tend to form on old fruit, bread,
and cheese

Three Major Groups

2. Mushrooms
-have a fruiting body
-only small proportions are edible
while others are very poisonous

Three Major Groups

3. Yeasts
-small, round,
single-celled
organisms
-don't have
filamentous
hyphae, but in oval
or elliptical shapes
visible under a
microscope

Three Major Groups

 Fungi can substitute root hairs (as in
the case of pine trees)
 Fungi play a major role in recycling
organic material
 Many fungi produce antibiotic
substances
 Fungi can be used as food

Importance
 http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-
are-fungi-types-and-characteristics.html
 http://www.ivyroses.com/Biology/Fungi/f
ungi-characteristics.php
 http://study.com/academy/lesson/hyphae
-definition-function-types.html
 http://www.bioidea.net/resources/what-
are-molds-fungi-mushrooms-and-yeasts/
 http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/fungi/i
mportce.htm

References