V. Ecological Importance B. Mutualism C. Fungal Parasites D. Practical Uses

A. Decomposers B. Mutualists

Decomposers

• Break down organic material (including cellulose and lignin)

• Recycle inorganic nutrients

• No decomposers = no life 

Mutualists

• Absorb nutrient from host, provide some benefit to host

• Fungus plant example: 

  • Mycorrhizae 

  • Endophytes: Inside leaves or stems, make toxins -> deter herbivores 

• Fungus Animal Mutualism

  • Help break down plant material

  • Found in gut, nests

    • Carpenter ants break down leaves with fungi so they can transport

  • Lichens

    • Between fungi and photosynthetic microorganisms

    • Provides habitat for microbe growth 

    • Protection, retains water and nutrients 

    • Can grow on rocks, trees, roots 

Fungal Parasites

• Absorb nutrients from host

• Plants- chestnut blight

  • Enters crack in bark, hyphae spreads throughout 

• Mycosis

  • Fungal infection in an animal

  • Ringworm, athlete’s foot, systemic mycosis 

• Zombie Brain Fungus: Cordycceps 

  • Grows in ants brain, loses its senses, hyphae moves out of ant’s skull, brings it away from colony, makes ant bite onto tree, fungi then releases spores 

Practical Uses

• Consumption: morels and truffles

• Yeasts: ferment sugar to CO2 and alcohol

• Research: Saccharomyces cerevisiae- model organism for eukaryotic genetics 

• Medical: antibiotic production