Fungal Structure Notes

Fungal Structure

• Fungi are lightweight and adapted to air, water, and animals, allowing them to spread.
• Can be highly resistant to harsh conditions like heat and dry dirt, allowing them to survive until conditions improve.

Rhizoids

• Root-like structures growing down into the surface.
• Anchors the fungus to its food source.
• Helps break down food.
• Absorbs nutrients from the broken down material.

Hyphae

• Long thread-like structures.
• Spread through the substance.
• Absorb nutrients.
• Make the fungus look fluffy and full.

Asexual Reproduction - 1 Parent

Sporangium

• Sac-like structure that makes and holds asexual spores.
• Keeps the spores safe while they grow.
• Releases spores so they can grow into new fungi.

Sporangiophore

• Holds up the sporangium.
• Lifts the sporangium to help spread the spores.
• Doesn't make spores, but helps spread them.

Sexual Reproduction - 2 Parents

• Two hyphae join together ( + and - ).
• Combination of genetic material leads to variation.
• Spores are produced and released.
• Tends to occur when conditions are not ideal, to create more variation.
• If one spore gets sick, others with the same DNA get sick too.

Additional Points

• Fungi grow with hyphae that spread in a circle.
• Spores help them reproduce; some grow earlier than others.
• Some fungi grow better in certain places or conditions.