Fungi

Extracellular Digestion

Hyphae secrete hydrolytic enzymes onto food, leading to nutrient absorption through catabolic reactions.

Saprophytic

Organisms that feed on nonliving organic matter, acting as decomposers.

Parasitic

Organisms that feed on and live inside a host organism, causing a (+/-) relationship.

Mutualistic

Organisms that live with and share resources with another organism, creating a (+/+) relationship.

Lichens

A symbiotic structure formed from a fungus and algae or photosynthetic bacteria.

Mycorrhizae

A mutualistic association between fungi and plant roots.

Chitin

A structural component of the fungal cell wall.

Hyphae

Multicellular fungi arranged in strings; can be either septate (divided by septum) or coenocytic (no septa).

Mycelium

The netlike body of a fungus made of hyphae, often very large.

Fruiting Body

The reproductive structure produced by most multicellular fungi, visible above ground.

Dimorphic Fungi

Fungi that exhibit different body forms, such as yeast or mold, based on environmental conditions.

Plasmogamy

The fusion of haploid cells from two mycelia to form a cell with two nuclei.

Karyogamy

The process where nuclei fuse to form a diploid zygote, which undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores.

Spore Dispersal

The methods by which spores are spread, including air currents, water movement, and animal activity.

Cap

The part of the mushroom that supports and protects the reproductive structures.

Gills

The structures that produce and release spores in mushrooms.

Stipe

The stalk that elevates the spore-bearing cap above the ground.

Annulus

The remnant of the partial veil that protected immature gills.

Volva

The remnant of the veil that completely enclosed the mushroom before it matured.

Scale

Markers for mushroom identification, remnants of the veil.

Secondary Metabolites

Organic compounds produced by organisms that enhance fitness but are not essential, e.g., antibiotics.

Bio Remediation

The use of decomposers to break down pollution or waste.