Documenti di Didattica
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Documenti di Cultura
Greek word
Etymology mykos = “mushroom” and logos = “discourse”
Study of mushrooms; study of fungi
Importance of Fungi (why we study fungi, roles they play in the ecosystem)
Known decomposers, often found in decaying matters
Without them, organic matter will not be recycled
Diseases of plants and animals (acts as threats/pathogens)
Fungi in humans can cause dermal problems
Corn mutation, affecting its reproductivity
Sources of chemicals
Penicillium and Aspergillus
Food and food production
e.g. soy sauce, wine, molded cheese
Mycotoxins
Fumonisin – contaminated corn
Aflatoxin – contaminated peanut
Allergies due to toxic molds
Residential houses infested with toxic black mold
Bioremediation and bio-pulping agents (mycoremediation)
Biological control
Jeopardizing integrity and lifestyle of pests
e.g. entomopathogenic fungi, nematode-trapping fungus
Mutualistic partners, in particular with plants
e.g. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (common for mushrooms), Arbuscular fungi
Experimental organisms
Characteristics of a fungus (structures, nutrition, and lifestyle)
1. Hypha(e)
Collective term for hyphae is mycelium(a)
Provides structural support for fungal body
Involve in cell differentiation
Microtubular thread-like structures
Can either be segmented or not segmented
2. Radial growth
Similar to oomycetes which grow in a radial pattern
3. Heterotrophic, external digestion, and absorptive nutrition
4. Reproduce by spores which come in different shapes, sizes, and colors
5. Fungal cell wall contains chitin
Chitin is also present in insects and other crustaceans
6. Ergosterol in cell membranes