BIOL 119 Lecture Notes - Lecture 32: Heterokaryon, Sporophyte, Algae
21 Aug 2016
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Document Summary
Most that live in association with other organisms benefit host, are mutualists. Some release nutrients from dead plants & animals. Because of this, they influence productivity and biodiversity. There are about 200 species of parasitic fungi that cause human illness including athlete"s foot, vaginitis, etc. Fungi are more closely related to animals than land plants. Fungal infections in humans are more difficult to treat than bacterial infections. Causes billions of $ of crop losses each year. Fungal species ferment cacao seeds before chocolate is edible. Mycorrhizal associations between fungi & plant roots allow fast plant growth. Experiments: plant growth suffers in absence of fungi. Saprophytes: fungi, make living by digesting dead plant material. Release of co2 from plants, animals, and fungi as the result of cr. Fungi digest lignin and cellulose, makes carbon atoms recycle into glucose and co2 rapidly. W/o that ability, carbon atoms would have stayed in wood for a long time.
