describe the mycelial and reproductive characteristics of mushroom. give two examples of organisms placed in the same division
Answers
Characteristics of Fungi
Fungi, latin for mushroom, are eukaryotes which are responsible for decomposition and nutrient cycling through the environment.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Describe the role of fungi in the ecosystem
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Key Points
Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants.
Fungi are heterotrophic: they use complex organic compounds as sources of energy and carbon, not photosynthesis.
Fungi multiply either asexually, sexually, or both.
The majority of fungi produce spores, which are defined as haploid cells that can undergo mitosis to form multicellular, haploid individuals.
Fungi interact with other organisms by either forming beneficial or mutualistic associations (mycorrhizae and lichens ) or by causing serious infections.
Key Terms
mycorrhiza: a symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a vascular plant
spore: a reproductive particle, usually a single cell, released by a fungus, alga, or plant that may germinate into another
lichen: any of many symbiotic organisms, being associations of fungi and algae; often found as white or yellow patches on old walls, etc.
Ascomycota: a taxonomic division within the kingdom Fungi; those fungi that produce spores in a microscopic sporangium called an ascus
heterotrophic: organisms that use complex organic compounds as sources of energy and carbon