Fungi

Eukaryotic

Organisms with a membrane-bound nucleus.

Chitin

A structural polysaccharide that makes up the cell walls of fungi.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain food from other organisms.

External digestion

Process where organisms secrete enzymes to digest food outside their bodies.

Decomposers (saprophytes)

Fungi that feed on dead organic matter.

Mycelium

The main body of a fungus, made up of a network of hyphae.

Fruiting body

The reproductive structure of fungi, often visible, like mushrooms.

Sporangium

The spore-producing structure at the tip of hyphae.

Spores

Reproductive cells that function like seeds and are dispersed by wind or water.

Fragmentation

Asexual reproduction method where a hypha breaks and grows into a new fungus.

Fission

A method of asexual reproduction where one cell splits into two, common in yeast.

Budding

A type of asexual reproduction where a new cell grows from a parent cell, common in yeast.

Diploid (2n)

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes.

Haploid (n)

A cell that contains one set of chromosomes.

Ascomycota (Sac Fungi)

Fungal phylum characterized by sexual reproduction in asci and asexual spores called conidia.

Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)

Fungal phylum that includes mushrooms and puffballs, characterized by reproductive structures called basidium.

Deuteromycota (Imperfect Fungi)

Fungal classification with no known sexual reproduction stage.

Lichens

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and photosynthetic organisms.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots enhancing nutrient absorption.

Mycotoxicosis

Illness caused by toxins produced by molds.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by Candida, leading to conditions like thrush and yeast infections.

Rhizopus stolonifer

Species of black bread mold, known for its life cycle alternating between sexual and asexual reproduction.