CLASS NOTES: FUNGI (singular = fungus)

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CLASS NOTES: FUNGI (singular = fungus) What are fungi? Fungi are plant-like living organisms that do not contain chlorophyll. Because they lack chlorophyll, they cannot make their own food.

1 CLASS NOTES: FUNGI (singular = fungus) What are fungi? Fungi are plant-like living organisms that do not contain chlorophyll. Because they lack chlorophyll, they cannot make their own food. Characteristics of fungi Like plants, fungi are rooted, and do not move from place to place. They need moisture and warmth to grow. Unlike plants, fungi cannot make their own food; To get energy, they must take in food from other sources. Unlike plants, fungi grow from spores, instead of seeds. The spores are carried to new locations by air, water and animals. Types of fungi Four common types of fungi are MUSHROOMS, MOLD, YEAST and MILDEW. MUSHROOMS Mushrooms can be seen on the ground, on fallen logs, and on living trees. The part that we see above ground is not the entire fungus - most of it grows underground in a wide net of cells that looks like tiny criss-crossed plant roots. The part of the mushroom that grows above ground is the reproductive organ of the fungus. It contains the spores that will create

new fungi, the same way that a fruit holds the seeds that will create new plants.

the soil in a usable form as food for plants. Mushrooms that grow on live trees are parasites.

2 new fungi, the same way that a fruit holds the seeds that will create new plants. Just as some seeds are small enough and light enough to be carried away by the wind, so the microscopic mushroom spores float away on the wind, to begin life in new locations. Mushroom Root System Mushrooms growing on dead organisms, such as fallen logs, act as decomposers to break down the wood and return it to the soil in a usable form as food for plants. Mushrooms that grow on live trees are parasites. Harmful and Helpful Mushrooms Some mushrooms are deadly if eaten. Unless you are an expert, or have been trained to recognize poisonous varieties, you should never eat wild mushrooms. The mushrooms sold in stores, however, are safe to eat, are a good source of fiber, and have high nutritional value with very few calories. MOLD (MOULD)

Mold, in a variety of colors, can be seen growing on bread, fruit, or in any damp, warm area. Like the mushroom, the part that we see is only the reproductive part of the organism.

3 Mold, in a variety of colors, can be seen growing on bread, fruit, or in any damp, warm area. Like the mushroom, the part that we see is only the reproductive part of the organism. Most of the mold is too small to be easily visible, and grows as a network of tiny, transparent, root-like threads called hyphae. As it develops, the mold sends roots deep into the structure on which it is growing. If mold is easily visible on food, it is a sign that the roots have already grown deep. Mold Hyphae and Spores (Enlarged) Like other fungi, mold is a decomposer. It gets its food from the substance on which it grows, and breaks down organic matter as it feeds. Mold isn t only found on food. It can feed off damp paper products, lint, ceiling tiles, drywall, wallpaper, insulation, carpeting, fabric, upholstery, plants, dead wood, and other organic materials. Harmful and Helpful Molds Mold is in the air all around us, and we are all exposed to it, both inside and outside the house. It is an essential part of our world; We need it to break down dead organic matter in the natural environment, to enrich the soil, and provide food for plants. In the scientific field, mold is grown on citrus fruit to make penicillin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Mold is also used in the food industry to flavor certain kinds of cheese. It is mold s ability to destroy organic matter that can make it dangerous to us at high concentrations, and in certain conditions. Some molds cause

serious allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it, while other molds produce a toxin (poison) that can cause illness.

It differs from mold in color, as it is usually silvery gray or white, while mold is usually red, green, blue, or black.

growing on leaves can damage the plant. Both mold and mildew prosper in dark, humid, damp and poorly ventilated environments.

4 serious allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it, while other molds produce a toxin (poison) that can cause illness. MILDEW Mildew is an early stage of mold. It differs from mold in color, as it is usually silvery gray or white, while mold is usually red, green, blue, or black. Mildew also differs from mold in texture; it has a downy or powdery texture, while mold tends to be fuzzy and slimy. growing on leaves can damage the plant. Both mold and mildew prosper in dark, humid, damp and poorly ventilated environments. YEAST Yeast are microscopic single-celled fungi. Yeast cells are egg-shaped, and are found everywhere in the environment. Although fruit and berry skins are among their favourite habitats, they can also be found in the spaces between your toes, in your skin, gut, genitals, and even in crude oil. Yeast

5 can exist in many forms: Living, dead, liquid, dehydrated (dry), pressed or crumbled. Yeast digest food, especially sugar, to obtain energy for growth. Harmful and Helpful Yeast Certain species of yeast are used to make bread, wine and beer. Nutritional (inactive) Yeast is an excellent source of protein, and a rich source of B- complex vitamins that are important for normal and healthy body functions. Yeast occurs naturally in the human body, and plays an essential part in our digestive and immune systems. However, not all yeast are beneficial. One species, Candida Albicans, exists harmlessly in the human body until it encounters a weak immune system. It then becomes the cause of conditions such as yeast infections, diaper rash in babies, or thrush on the tongue.

a) Understand the characteristics of organisms such as mushrooms, mold, pond scum and paramecia and the environments in which they live.

a) Understand the characteristics of organisms such as mushrooms, mold, pond scum and paramecia and the environments in which they live. We coexist with a variety of other organisms that affect our lives in significant ways. This area deals with how animals, plants and diverse microorganisms such as fungi, viruses and bacteria affect our