BIOL 1002 Chapter : BIOL 1002 Chapter 22
Document Summary
Cells are surrounded by cell walls composed of chitin, a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide. The body of almost all fungi is a mycelium, an interwoven mass of threadlike filaments called hyphae (singular, hypha) Fungal bodies consist of slender threads (continued) Hyphae of most species are divided into many cells by partitions called septa (singular, septum); each cell possesses one or more nuclei. Pores in the septa allow cytoplasm to stream from one cell to the next. Fungi cannot move, but grow rapidly in any direction within a suitable environment. Fungi obtain their nutrients from other organisms. Fungi secrete enzymes outside their bodies and absorb the digested nutrients. Fungal decomposers feed on dead organic material and wastes. Fungal parasites absorb nutrients from cells of living hosts and may cause disease. Some symbiotic fungi live in mutually beneficial relationships with other organisms. Spores are tiny reproductive packages capable of developing into adult fungi.