BIOA01H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 33: Leafcutter Ant, Microorganism, Basidiocarp

• School: UTSC
• Department: Biological Sciences
• Course: BIOA01H3
• Professor: Steve Joordens

Document Summary

Fungi diverged about 500 million years ago from branch shared with animals. Essential for well-being of most terrestrial ecosystems: fungi breakdown organic material and recycle vital nutrients. Despite their diversity fungi share key traits: fungi are eukaryotes. Most important common trait is how they derive nutrition: fungi are heterotrophs that absorb nutrients from outside of their body. Use enzymes to break down a large variety of complex molecules into smaller organic compounds that can be absorbed into their cells. Versatility of these enzymes contributes to fungal success. 5 fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes. Fungal diversity is reflected in their: lifestyles, morphology, structure, reproduction. Mutualists: symbiotic interaction with living organism. Most are multicellular: body made up of mycelium which is anetwork of hyphae. Growing outward via the tips of the fungus. Surface area of mycelium enhances ability to absorb nutrients. Have rigid cell wall made of chitin (complex polysaccharide) Septate fungi have hyphae divided into cells by septa.