Fungi

What type of organisms are fungi?

Non-motile eukaryotes possessing branched structures (called hyphae) and cell walls composed of chitin which acquire nutrition through absorption from the environment.

How do fungi reproduce?

Asexually (n) or sexually (2n).

• Asexual reproduction occurs when conditions are suitable and stable to produce spores. Fungi put great amounts of energy into producing spores (haploid asexual products). Spores are very resistant to ÒunfriendlyÓ environments.
• Sexual reproduction occurs when spores germinate and grow into mycelia, allowing mating to occur.

What is the difference between molds and yeasts?

Molds are rapidly growing fungi common in colder environments, e.g. bread mold in the fridge, which reproduce asexually.

Yeasts are unicellular fungi common in warmer environments, e.g. baker's yeast, which also reproduce asexually.

``Mold in the cold, yeast in the heat.''