BIO II: FUNGI

Nutrient cycling

Nitrogen fixation & decomposition

Nitrogen fixation

converts atmospheric N₂ into ammonia (NH₃), which quickly picks up a hydrogen ion to become ammonium (NH₄⁺)

Decomposition

breaks down dead material returning it into the soil

Symbiotic Relationships

parasitic & mutualistic

Mutualistic relationships

consists of endophytes, mycorrhizae and lichens

Absorptive Heterotroph

Obtains nutrients by secreting digestive enzymes to break down complex organic molecules, absorbing the smaller, digested compounds directly into its body

Mycorrhizae

fungal hyphae penetrates into the cell wall of the plant group and sticks itself to the cell membrane (or next to), wrapping around arbuscule (cell membrane)

Lichens

fungi & algae symbiotic, substrate, provides anchoring and start of global ecosystem, pioneer specie. Consists of fruticose, crustose & foliose

Mycelium

network of hyphae, in soil or on top of soil, transpiration (via diffusion)

Fungi structure

basidium (cap): reproductive structure
gills: spore producing
Chitin: cell wall
hyphae