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Characteristics of Fungi
This kingdom contains heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms that are saprobes,
absorbing their food from decaying matter.
Fungi are decomposers. They release digestive enzymes into their immediate
environment. These enzymes break down the dead organic matter. Fungi then
absorb the digested food through the cell wall.
Slime moulds take up their food by simple endocytosis.
The bodies of most fungi consist of threadlike filaments called hyphae. As the
hyphae grow, they branch, forming a tangled mass of filaments called a
mycelium that is well adapted to absorb nourishment from its food source.
Most hyphae have cell walls strengthened by a substance called chitin, (a long-
chain polymer of beta-glucose that forms a hard, semi-transparent material).
Reproduction
Most species in this kingdom reproduce asexually and sexually by means of
spores. Spores are single reproductive cells that have a haploid number (23) of
chromosomes
The 100,000 species of fungi are grouped into divisions based on their pattern of
sexual reproduction. (Phyla are called divisions in Kingdom Fungi).
Fungi with spores in a case like structure (sporangium), are placed in division
Zygomycota. Fungi with spores in a saclike structure (ascus), are placed in
division Ascomycota. Fungi with spores that form in a club like structure
(basidium), are placed in division Basidiomycota.
Parasitic rusts and smuts make up another important group of fungi. These cause
damage to grain crops such as corn, oats, wheat, rye and barley.
Bracket fungi can exist as saprobes on the wood of dead trees, or as parasites on
the wood of living trees.
Puffballs are round or pear-shaped fungi. Often white and resembling mushrooms
they release their spores only when the fruiting body dries up and splits open.
Imperfect Fungi
There are some species that have no known sexual phases and so cannot be
classified into divisions.
Many of these species cause diseases in plants and animals, including humans.
In 1928 Sir Alexander Fleming observed a green mould Penicillium growing on a
petri dish containing Staphylococcus bacteria. He later isolated a chemical
substance produced by the fungus (Penicillin). This was the first antibiotic to
come into medical use. This prevents the formation of cells walls or cell
membranes in reproducing bacteria.
The common mould Trichophyton rubrum causes a contagious fungal infection
called athlete’s foot.
Fungal Associations
Certain fungi associate with other organisms for the mutual benefit of both
partners.
Lichens are symbiotic associations of a fungus with either an alga or a
cyanobacterium. The alga provides nourishment to the fungus through
photosynthesis. The fungus provides the alga with water, essential minerals, and
protection from dryness in barren and rocky habitats.
Other fungi associate with the roots of plants. These associations are known as
mycorrhizae. The fungus mycelium forms a thick web over the surface of a
plant’s roots. The fungal mycelium absorbs water and minerals from the soil,
which it passes to the root. The plant provides the fungus with amino acids and
sugars.
Still other fungi associate with leaf-cutting ants. The ants provide food for the
fungi until it grows large enough to serve as food for the ants.