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Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Parasites I. FUNGI (Mycology) Diverse group of heterotrophs. Many are ecologically important saprophytes (consume dead and decaying matter) Others are parasites. Most are multicellular, but yeasts are unicellular. Most are aerobes or facultative anaerobes. Cell walls are made up of chitin (polysaccharide). Over 100,000 fungal species identified. Only about 100 are human or animal pathogens. Most human fungal infections are nosocomial and/or occur in immunocompromised individuals (opportunistic infections). Fungal diseases in plants cause over 1 billion dollars/year in losses. CHARACTERISTICS OF FUNGI 1. Yeasts Unicellular fungi, nonfilamentous, typically oval or spherical cells. Reproduce by mitosis: Fission yeasts: Divide evenly to produce two new cells (Schizosaccharomyces). Budding yeasts: Divide unevenly by budding (Saccharomyces). Budding yeasts can form pseudohypha, a short chain of undetached cells. Candida albicans invade tissues through pseudohyphae. Yeasts are facultative anaerobes, which allows them to grow in a variety of environments. When oxygen is available, they carry out aerobic respiration. When oxygen is not available, they ferment carbohydrates to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. CHARACTERISTICS OF FUNGI (Continued) 2. Molds and Fleshy Fungi Multicellular, filamentous fungi. Identified by physical appearance, colony characteristics, and reproductive spores. Thallus: Body of a mold or fleshy fungus. Consists of many hyphae. Hyphae (Sing: Hypha): Long filaments of cells joined together. Septate hyphae: Cells are divided by cross-walls (septa). Coenocytic (Aseptate) hyphae: Long, continuous cells that are not divided by septa. Hyphae grow by elongating at the tips. Each part of a hypha is capable of growth. Vegetative Hypha: Portion that obtains nutrients. Reproductive or Aerial Hypha: Portion connected with reproduction. Mycelium: Large, visible, filamentous mass made up of many hyphae.