Fungi
Examples of Fungi
- Ustilago maydis-corn smut (eaten as a delicacy in Mexico/Central Amer.
- Claviceps purpurea-ergot of grains, contains LSD, a hallucinogen
- Candida albicans-causes vaginitis and oral thrush in humans
- Penicillium notatum-source of penicillin
- Penicillium roqueforti-fungus that produces the blue veins of blue cheese
- Morchella esculenta-woods morel highly prized by chefs and gourmets
- Tuber melanosporum (black truffle) and Tuber magnatum (white truffle)-also highly prized by chefs and gourmets; most expensive in the world.
- Histoplasma capsulatum-causes fungal infections of the lungs in Midwest USA
- Aspergillus flavus-infects corn and other grains. Produces potent toxins and carcinogens
Characteristics of Fungi
- Fungi has eukaryotic cells, this means that it contains a true nucleus
- A characteristic of Fungi is that it is Uni- colonial- or multicellular (yeast 1 cell) meaning it is made up of cells.
- A characteristic of Fungi is that it is non motile, meaning it does not move. Staying in one spot for it's life span.
- A characteristic of Fungi is that it is a decomposer, this means that it can break down natural waste.
- A characteristic of Fungi is that it is able to reproduce both sexually and asexually. Meaning with or without a mate/partner.
- A characteristic of Fungi is that it is a spore former, this means that it is able to reproduce, serving a similar purpose to that of seeds in the plant world although the mechanisms are different.
Where is Fungi found?
Fungi can be found outside in forests, gardens and even in your own backyard. Some are good to eat, but some are deadly. They can also grow on your feet causing them to become itchy, known as athlete's foot.
Fun facts!
Fungi do not have stomachs. They must digest their food before it can pass through the cell wall into the hyphae. Hyphae secrete acids and enzymes that break the surrounding organic material down into simple molecules they can easily absorb.
Sources
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/fungi/fungi.html
http://www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/about-microbiology/introducing-microbes/fungi
http://www.britannica.com/science/fungus
http://canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/species/fungi/
http://www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/about-microbiology/introducing-microbes/fungi
http://www.britannica.com/science/fungus
http://canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/english/species/fungi/