Fungi Molds

1. Fungi & Molds

2. Reproduction Fungi differ from many organisms in that they: Reproduce sexually & asexually Longest stage of life cycle is in the haploid (N) stage NOT the diploid (2N) stage. Asexual reproduction is accomplished through the creation and spreading of asexual spores. Sexual reproduction is accomplished through creation and spreading of sexual spores by opposite mating types ((+) & (-)). There are 3 major divisions of fungi

3. Division Zygomycota: Example: Black Bread mold Hyphae produce Sporangium which form spores asexually which are released to form new mycelia. Reproduce sexually also. Hyphae of (+) and (-) mating types called Gametangia fuse to form a diploid (2N) Zygospore Zygospore undergoes meiosis to produce spores which are then released

4. Life Cycle of the Bread Mold

5. Division Ascomycetes (Sac Fungi) Named because sexual spores are produced in small sacs called asci (ascus). Asexual spores are produced on conidia by special hyphae called conidiophores.

6. Division Basidomycota: Include mushrooms, shelf fungi & puffballs

7. Life cycle of basidiomycota NOTE: NEVER eat a wild mushroom. Many are extremely toxic and can cause serious injury or death if eaten.

8. Ecological Significance: Are valuable decomposers which function to return organic material back to the ecosystem. Fungi can form valuable symbiotic relationships Example are lichens which is a symbiotic relationship with algae.

9. Fungi Significance Have great economic value Yeast is a unicellular fungus used for baking and brewing. Many mushrooms are edible Diseases caused by fungi. Plants are most vulnerable to molds & fungi. It is a serious threat to agriculture some common crop diseases caused by molds & fungi are: Potato blight Wheat rust Corn smut Can cause disease in humans. "Athlete's foot" Ring worm Thrush and other yeast infections