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Plant Biology - Fungi Not Plants

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    Study Guide Plant Biology – Fungi: Not Plants 1. Ecology of Fungi 1.1 Where Fungi Are Found Fungi can live almost anywhere — as long as there is moisture , moderate temperature , and organic food . These conditions are common, so fungi are found all over the world. One interesting thing about fungi is how they eat. They digest food outside their bodies and then absorb the nutrients. Because of this, fungi often live right inside their food source . When the nearby food runs out, they simply grow into a new area where food is available. 1.2 How Many Fungi Are There? Scientists estimate that there are about 1.5 million species of fungi on Earth. However, less than 10% of these species have been officially described and studied. This makes fungi one of the least understood groups of organisms. Fungi live worldwide, but scientists believe there may be more types in tropical regions . This idea is hard to prove because so many species have not yet been discovered. 1.3 Where Do Fungi Live: Land and Water Most fungi live on land ( terrestrial fungi ). Only about 500 species are known to live in marine (ocean) environments. On land, fungi can live independently or in close relationships with other organisms. Thousands of species form symbiotic relationships or act as pathogens of plants and animals. 1.4 Fungi as Decomposers Fungi play a very important role in ecosystems. They are usually the primary decomposers , meaning they break down dead plants and animals. They can digest a wide variety of organic materials.

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    Study Guide While this is essential for recycling nutrients in nature, it can sometimes cause problems for humans. Fungi may also digest materials that are economically important , such as crops, wood, or stored food. 1.5 Different Ways Fungi Get Food Most fungi are saprobes , which means they feed on dead or decaying organic matter. Some fungi, however, behave more aggressively. A few species actually hunt living organisms . One famous example is a fungus that forms hyphal traps to capture tiny worms called nematodes , which it then digests. 1.6 Fungi as Parasites and Pathogens Many fungi are parasitic , meaning they live on or inside other living organisms and cause harm. Fungi are among the most serious pathogens of crop plants , including important crops like corn and wheat . These fungal diseases can greatly affect agriculture and food production. 2. Symbiotic Relationships In nature, many organisms survive by living closely with others. This kind of close, long - term interaction is called symbiosis . Two very important examples of symbiosis involve fungi : • Mycorrhizae , which form on the roots of most vascular plants • Lichens , which are made when fungi live with algae or cyanobacteria Both partnerships show how different organisms can help each other survive in challenging environments.

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    Study Guide 2.1 Mycorrhizae: Fungi Helping Plant Roots 2.2 What are mycorrhizae? Mycorrhizae (singular: mycorrhiza ) are mutualistic relationships between fungi and the roots of almost all vascular plants. • The fungus gets energy (food) from the plant. • The plant gets help absorbing nutrients from the soil. This partnership benefits both organisms. 2.3 How do mycorrhizae help plants? Fungal structures called hyphae grow actively through the soil. • These hyphae reach areas that plant root hairs cannot. • This greatly improves nutrient absorption . • Phosphate uptake is especially increased when mycorrhizae are present. Because of this, plants with mycorrhizae often grow healthier and stronger.

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    Study Guide 2.4 Types of mycorrhizae There are two main types , based on where the fungal hyphae grow: 1. Endomycorrhizae o Hyphae grow inside the cortical cells of the root o Mostly formed by zygomycete fungi 2. Ectomycorrhizae o Hyphae stay outside the root cells o Commonly formed by basidiomycetes and some ascomycetes Even though they differ in structure, both types help plants absorb nutrients more efficiently. 2.5 Lichens: A Unique Living Partnership

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    Study Guide 2.6 What is a lichen? A lichen is formed when a fungus lives together with either: • an alga , or • a cyanobacterium This partnership creates a body called a thallus , which looks completely different from either partner alone. Because of this unique form, lichens are often treated as separate organisms. 2.7 Who does what in a lichen? Each partner has a specific role: • The fungus o Forms the shape of the lichen o Absorbs water and nutrients o Provides a protective “home” • The alga or cyanobacterium o Performs photosynthesis o Produces food for the lichen The photosynthetic partner can live independently, but the fungus cannot. For this reason, the fungus is sometimes considered a parasite . However, since both partners benefit, many biologists view lichens as mutualistic rather than purely parasitic. 2.8 Lichens and Air Pollution Lichens are very sensitive to their environment. • They absorb everything directly from the air. • They cannot get rid of harmful substances once absorbed. Many lichens are especially sensitive to air pollutants . • Sulfur dioxide , released by burning coal, is highly toxic to many species. • As a result, many lichens have disappeared from polluted urban areas.

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    Study Guide 2.9 Why are lichens important? Because of their sensitivity, lichens act as biomonitors . • Their presence (or absence) tells us about air quality . • A lack of lichens can serve as a warning sign of polluted air. In this way, lichens help scientists — and us — understand the health of the environment we live in. Key Takeaway • Mycorrhizae help plants absorb nutrients, especially phosphates. • Lichens are partnerships between fungi and photosynthetic organisms. • Both show how cooperation in nature supports survival. • Lichens also help monitor air pollution. 3. Plant Pathogens Many fungi act as pathogens , meaning they cause disease in plants (and sometimes animals). These fungal diseases can damage crops, reduce yields, and affect ecosystems. One important thing to know is that many plant - pathogenic fungi have complex life cycles . Some even need two different host plants to complete their life cycle. Let’s look at two major groups of plant - pathogenic fungi: rusts and smuts .

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    Study Guide 3.1 Rusts: Fungi with Complicated Life Cycles 3.2 What are rusts? Rusts are a group of specialized basidiomycete fungi that live as parasites on plants . They are named for the rusty orange or brown spots they often cause on leaves and stems. 3.3 Why are rusts unique? Rust fungi are known for having very complex life cycles . • Some rusts produce up to five different types of spores , in addition to basidiospores . • This makes them some of the most complicated fungi studied in plant pathology. 3.4 One host or two? Rusts are classified based on how many host plants they need: • Heteroecious rusts o Require two different plant species to complete their life cycle o Examples include:

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