Common fungi: mushrooms, moulds, yeast and truffles
1. Cell Type: eukaryotic
2. Type of Reproduction: asexual and sexual life cycle
Sex cell = spores
– made by the sporangium
– spores are spread by wind
– spores germinate (grow)
Asexual fragmentation may also occur
3. Characteristics
- nonmotile
- mycelium – vegetative part, under ground
- wide variety of shapes, sizes and colours
4. Ecological Role
- 1. Decomposers – transforms dead material to new material for plants
- 2. Human uses – yeast to make bread, wine and beer
- 3. Bioremediation – decomposes harmful pollutants and hazardous chemicals
- 4. Helps other organisms (symbiotic relationship) eg: helps roots of plants absorb nutrients
- LICHEN : a combo of green algae and fungus growing together to help plant growth (act like soil for plants to grow on rocks)
- Lichens are also indicators of air pollution since they absorb water from the air to provide for the plants
5. CONNECTION to HUMAN HEALTH
– skin infections such as athlete’s food and ringworm
– poisonous mushrooms (Amanita) can cause death by producing neurotoxins if ingested
