BIOEE 1780 Chapter Notes - Chapter 22: Carbon Cycle, Lichen, Plant Cell
15 Nov 2016
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Saprobic fungi, along with bacteria, are the major decomposers on earth. Obtain their energy, carbon, and nitrogen directly from dead organic matter fungi are the principal decomposers of cellulose and lignin, main components of plant cell walls (most bacteria can"t break down these materials) Other fungi produce enzymes that decompose keratin and thus break down animal structures such as hair and nails. Were it not for the fungal decomposers, earth"s carbon cycle would fail. Great quantities of carbon atoms would remain trapped forever on forest floors and elsewhere. Instead, those carbon atoms are returned to the atmosphere in the form of co2 by fungal respiration, where they are again available for photosynthesis by plants. Common strategy when fungus faces a dwindling food supply is to reproduce rapidly and abundantly. Some fungi engage in parasitic or predatory interactions. Facultative: grow on living organisms but can also grow independently (including on artificial media)
