Fungi Anatomy
Maren Bryan
Key Points
-Fungal cell walls are rigid and contain complex polysaccharides called chitin (adds structural strength) and glucans.
Fungi Structure
A Fungi's Internal and External Structure:
Fungi Cell Structure
mycelium--the vegetative part of any fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, threadlike hyphae, often underground.
hypha-a long, branching, filamentous structure of a fungus that is the main mode of vegetative growth.
septum-cell wall division between hyphae of a fungi.
thallus-vegetative body of a fungus.
saprophyte-any organism that lives on dead organic matter, as certain fungi and bacteria.
Fungi External Structure
Ring (annulus)-A partial veil grows from the edge of the cap to the stem, the ring is what is left on the stem as the cap grows and breaks the veil.
Gills-Gills or pores grow under the cap and produce spores. To produce, protect and scatter the spores is why the toadstool grows.
Stalk-The stem or stipe has to hold up the cap So that when the spores drop down they are high enough off the group to drift away.
Volva- It is what is left of the veil at the bottom of the stem when the veil is broken. (The veil is broken as the toadstool grows. This veil sometimes leaves spots on the cap as well.)
What is the function of a fungus?
Fungi are eukaryotes and are heterotrophs that absorb their food. They produce and discharge digestive chemicals into their environment, where the food is digested, after which they absorb the nutrients. Most fungi are multi-cellular (yeast are unicellular).
Citations
-"Canolfan Edward Llwyd." Canolfan Edward Llwyd. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016.