fungi: SLIME MOLDS

similarities of fungi and slime

1. use spores to reproduce
2. feed on decaying matter
3. absorb through their cell walls

difference of fungi and slime

their composition of cell walls, slime composed of cellulose and fungi of chitin

where do slime molds live

in damp, shady places

phylum of acellular slime molds

myxomycota

why are they called acellular

they go through a phase in their life cycle where the nucleus divide but no internal cell walls form, resulting in a mass of cytoplasm

describe the acellular motile mass

has no form and is composed of cytoplasm

how do acellular slime molds move

changing their shape, pulsing (triggered by chemicals moving inside)

acellular life cycle: step 1

begins as spores

step 2

in the presence of water spores produce cytoplasm and become a mobile ameboid gamete

step 3

two gametes unite and diploid phase of life cycle begins

step 4

diploid zygote divides, producing a plasmodium (a mobile mass of cytoplasm of multiple diploid nuclei)

what is produced by cellular slime molds in unfavorable conditions

spores produce which secrete acrasin, sending a chemical signal to form a colony of spores asexually

phylum of cellular slime molds

acrasiomycota

describe the cellular motile mass

definite shapes, lives as an amoeba with spores and no flagella

how do cellular slime molds move

creeps over rich, moist soil and engulfs bacteria