Diversity of life week 3 pt1

Fungi

Fungi phylogeny

More closely related to animals than to to other eukaryotic groups.

Fungi origins

1Ga ( near start of multicellular eukaryotic life). Early fungi were aquatic, but by 400mya (devonian) , as plants became terrestrial, so did fungi. There is evidence that plants formed symbioses with fungi and played a crucial role in helping plants colonize land.

No. of named species of fungi

144,000 named, however estimates from DNA barcoding suggest there may be between 2.2 and 3.8 million species

Fungal tree of life 

Microsporidia, Chytrydiomycota, zoopagomycota, mucromycota,Aspomycota and Basidiomycota

Microsporidia

involved with colony collapse disorder CCD. Smallest eukaryote genome recorded.

Chitridiomycota

Primarily aquatic fungi. Can be single celled, but some make hyphae. Produce gametes and spores, motile due to flagella. Thallose, but have rhizoids to attach to the ground

This clade poses a threat to amphibians. They threaten 30% of amphibian species globally.  The zygote can generate diploid cells or haploid spores

Zoopagomycota

Almost exclusively pathogenic/parasitic for animals or fungi. Long lived spore called zygospore - formed by fusion of two hyphae. Modified chitin called chitosan - a deacetylated polymer of chitin. Immobile gametes,

Mucromycota (glomeromycota)

largely terrestrial fungi that thrive in soil and decaying organic matter, known for causing food spoilage and some human infections. Low diversity with ~250 sp. 78 of mucoromycota can connect plants together, with a symbiotic exchange of nutrients and sugar. Responsible for colonisation of land by plants. Some found in salt marshes or with epiphytes. form large spores

Aspomycota and Basidiomycota

Representing most fungal diversity, with uses in food, medicine, beer and more.

Hyphae

The thread-like structures that make up the body of fungi and enable nutrient absorption.

thallose

describing a type of plant or fungal body that is undifferentiated often observed in certain algae and liverworts.

Rhizoids

Root-like structures in some fungi and plants that anchor the organism and help with nutrient absorption.

epiphytes

plants that grow on other plants but do not harm them, often relying on moisture and nutrients from the air and rain.

arbscular mycorrhizae

a type of symbiotic association between fungi and the roots of most plants, facilitating nutrient exchange, particularly phosphorus.

Basidiomycota

Highly diverse with at least 30000 species. Make mushrooms as temporary reproductive structure. Mushroom has a cap, gills/pores and stalk, bringing the gills or pores into the air to be launched. May have a vast interconnecting network below ground.

Sporocarp

Arial structure of a basidiomycota which generates spores

Shaggy incap spore release

the cap dissolves into a black, inky liquid, which is spread via water

Bracket fungi

Fungi that grow shelf-like on trees and logs, with pores or gills on the underside of the bracket.

Ascomycota

Largest group >60 000 species. Forms an ascus (sack) where ascus spores are formed. includes penicillium. Produce hyphae and ariall structures (ascocarps). Specialised metabolism as they can digest both cellulose and lignin making them important decomposers. Some use their hyphae to trap and digest small organisms. 

Ash die back

Caused by ascomycota which cause decomposure of ash trees.