Fungi

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Fungi
(Found in pages 526-542 in the biology book)

Fungi are Eukaryotic heterotrophs that contain cell walls. media type="custom" key="383167" width="356" height="100" Click on this video to see some examples of fungi. __**Reproduction**__- Asexual- Uses spores Sexual- Fuses with other fungi to create a zygote.


 * __How they spread__**- Spores carried by wind or reproducing sexually.

__**Classification of fungi**__- They are classified by structure and method of reproduction.


 * Zygomycetes**- Common molds. Ex **Black bread mold**.


 * Ascomycetes**-Sac fungi. This is also the largest fungi phylum. Ex **Yeast**.
 * __Ascus__**-The sacs in ascomycetes in which the sexual spores are formed.
 * __Conidia__**-Tiny spores formed on tips of hyphae.


 * Basidiomycetes-** Club fungi. A Basidium is found on the gills of that grow on the underside of the mushroom caps. In addition to mushrooms, basidiomycetes include **shelf fungi**, **puffballs**, **earthstars**, **jelly fungi**, and **plant parasites**.


 * Deuteromycetes**-Imperfect fungi. This phylum is composed of all those fungi that are not placed in other phyla because researchers have never been able to observe a sexual phase in their life cycles. Ex **Penicillium

__Ecology of fungi__**- Decomposers- Acts as an essential role in returning nutrients to the earth Parasites- Can kill plants, and hurt people and animals with infections irritations. Symbiotic Relationships- Works with plants to obtain a source of energy while protecting the plant from the suns rays.