- heterotrophs (non-photosynthesis)
- decomposers (they release N2 and C)
- release powerful enzymes to break down organic matter which then allows for the absorption of nutrients
- metabolism relies on oxygen gas
- live in symbiotic relation ships with plants
The bodies of a fungi are made from Hyphae (a network of cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and cell walls). The cell wall is very strong and flexible, it is made from chitin which is a carbohydrate. The mycelium is the "roots" they grow below the ground and stretch out in search of food.
Fungi Reproduction:
Fungi can reproduce asexually when a piece of hyphae breaks off via spore dispersal. This is most common with molds. Spores carry a full set of genetic information when the conditions are right. They are often carried in the wind.
How do the fungi sexually reproduce?
It sounds weird that fungi like mushrooms or puffballs reproduce sexually but in certain cases they do. What happens is that hyphae (termed + and -) grow towards each other and fuse together and form a zygospore (which is what carries the genetic information from the parent cell). The zygospores then produce genetically unique spores which helps them to survive many changing conditions. The sexual reproduction is very common in mushrooms and puffballs but rarely slime molds.
Who are the bad guys?
Although most seem to be fungis' some fungi are parasites that can destroy nutrients or hog all of the good nutrients for themselves. 80% of all diseases are caused by fungi such as ringworms or athletes foot.
Symbiotic relationships: special interactions between species.
Some fungi and plants form relationships where they work together for the fungi. In this case the fungi takes sugar, starches, and proteins from the soil around it and the plant would benefit from water and phosphorus from the fungi. Fungi roots are very thin and can reach many places that plant roots can't. This is why they work as a team to help each other.
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