Biological Sciences
Kingdom Fungi
Kingdom Fungi is a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that includes yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They obtain nutrients through absorption, breaking down organic matter externally and absorbing the nutrients. Fungi play crucial roles in ecosystems as decomposers, symbionts, and pathogens, and have significant economic importance in food production, medicine, and biotechnology.
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10 Key excerpts on "Kingdom Fungi"
No longer available |Learn more- (Author)
- 2014(Publication Date)
- Research World(Publisher)
Fungi can break down manufactured materials and buildings, and become significant pathogens of humans and other animals. Losses of crops due to fungal diseases (e.g. rice blast diseas e) or food spoilage can have a large impact on human food supplies and local economies. The fungus kingdom encompasses an enormous diversity of taxa with varied ecologies, life cycle strategies, and morphologies ranging from single -celled aquatic chytrids to large mushrooms. However, little is known of the true biodiversity of Kingdom Fungi, which has been estimated at around 1.5 million species, with about 5% of these having been formally classified. Ever since the pioneering 18th and 19th century taxonomical works of Carl Linnaeus, Christian Hendrik Persoon, and Elias Magnus Fries, fungi have been classified according to their morphology (e.g., characteristics such as spore color or microscopic features) or physiology. Advances in molecular genetics have o pened the way for DNA analysis to be incorporated into taxonomy, which has sometimes challenged the historical groupings based on morphology and other traits. Phylogenetic studies published in the last decade have helped reshape the classification of Kingdom Fungi, which is divided into one subkingdom, seven phyla, and ten subphyla. Etymology The English word fungus is directly adopted from the Latin fungus (mushroom), used in the writings of Horace and Pliny. This in turn is derived from the Greek word sphongos /σφογγος (sponge), which refers to the macroscopic structures and morph -ology of mushrooms and molds; the root is also used in other languages, such as the German Schwamm (sponge), Schimmel (mold), and the French champignon and the Spanish champiñon (which both mean mushroom).
eBook - ePubMycoagroecology
Integrating Fungi into Agroecosystems
- Elizabeth Gall, Noureddine Benkeblia, Elizabeth Gall, Noureddine Benkeblia(Authors)
- 2022(Publication Date)
- CRC Press(Publisher)
4 The Kingdom Fungi Steven Stephenson and Elizabeth “Izzie” GallDOI: 10.1201/9780429320415-4Contents
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Basic Structures of Fungi
- 4.3 Basic Classification of Fungi and Fungus-Like Organisms
- 4.3.1 Slime Molds
- 4.4 Taxonomy of Macrofungi
- 4.5 Taxonomy of Microfungi
- 4.6 Sexual Reproduction
- 4.6.1 Basidiomycetes
- 4.6.2 Ascomycetes
- 4.7 Asexual and Sexual Stages
- 4.8 Fundamental Niches of Fungi
- 4.8.1 Saprotrophic Fungi
- 4.8.2 Fungi in Symbioses
- 4.9 Secondary Metabolites of Interest
- 4.9.1 Culinary Use
- 4.9.2 Poisons or Toxins
- 4.9.3 Medicinal Compounds
- References
4.1 Introduction
It is difficult for the average person not to be aware of the larger plants and animals that share the world with us, but most people know very little about the widely distributed, ecologically very important, and exceedingly abundant organisms known as fungi (singular: fungus). Although found almost everywhere in nature, fungi are often overlooked, usually underappreciated and underutilized, and frequently misunderstood. The objective of this chapter is first to introduce the group and then to outline some of the many ways in which they are important, especially in an agricultural context.For a very long time, fungi were considered to be members of the plant kingdom. In some ways, fungi are similar to plants, since the fruiting body increases in size as it matures and a multicellular fungus has both an underground, sometimes rootlike structure and an aerial, stemlike portion. However, there are some major fundamental differences. Perhaps the most important of these is that fungi lack the green pigment chlorophyll. As a result, fungi cannot produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Instead, fungi obtain their food by breaking down dead organic matter or, in some instances, by deriving it from living plants, animals, or even other fungi. The formal study of fungi is called mycology, and the people who consider at least some aspect of the biology, ecology, or economic importance of these organisms are known as mycologists
No longer available |Learn more- (Author)
- 2014(Publication Date)
- Academic Studio(Publisher)
However, little is known of the true biodiversity of Kingdom Fungi, which has been estimated at around 1.5 million species, with about 5% of these having been formally classified. Ever since the pioneering 18th and 19th century taxonomical works of Carl Linnaeus, Christian Hendrik Persoon, and Elias Magnus Fries, fungi have been classified acc ording to their morphology (e.g., characteristics such as spore color or microscopic features) or physiology. Advances in molecular genetics have opened the way for DNA analysis to be incorporated into taxonomy, which has sometimes challenged the historical groupings based on morphology and other traits. Phylogenetic studies published in the last decade have helped reshape the classification of Kingdom Fungi, which is divided into one subkingdom, seven phyla, and ten subphyla. Etymology The English word fungus is directly adopted from the Latin fungus (mushroom), used in the writings of Horace and Pliny. This in turn is derived from the Greek word sphongos /σφογγος (sponge), which refers to the macroscopic structures and morphology of mushrooms and molds; the root is also used in other languages, such as the German Schwamm (sponge), Schimmel (mold), and the French champignon and the Spanish champiñon (which both mean mushroom). The use of the word mycology , which is derived from the Greek mykes /μύκης ( mushroom) and logos /λόγος (discourse), to denote the scientific study of fungi is thought to have originated in 1836 with English naturalist Miles Joseph Berkeley's publication The English Flora of Sir James Edward Smith, Vol. 5. Characteristics Before the introduction of molecular methods for phylogenetic analysis, taxonomists considered fungi to be members of the Plant Kingdom because of similarities in lifestyle: both fungi and plants are mainly immobile, and have similarities in general morphology and growth habitat.
eBook - PDF- N A Khan(Author)
- 2008(Publication Date)
- CRC Press(Publisher)
CHAPTER 6 Fungi 1. INTRODUCTION Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that contain more than 300,000 species and some (few hundred) have been recognized as human pathogens, causing mild infections to serious life-threatening diseases. The majority of fungal pathogens cause opportunistic infections, i.e., normally limited to individuals with a weak immune system. The increasing numbers of immunocompromised patients especially due to HIV have made a large part of the human population susceptible to the fungal infections. Similar to protozoa, the study of mycology began with the discovery of microscope. They were first observed by Robert Hooke in 1667, followed by Leeuwenhoek in 1689 observing their structure and budding. Later Antonio Micheli (1729) described hundreds of fungi as independent organisms. Thus far, the majority of fungi identified were plant pathogens and were identified from the decaying matter. For the next 100 years, the major focus in the field of mycology remained in their role as plant pathogens. However, in 1839, fungus ( Trichophyton ) was identified as the causative agent of human disease causing cutaneous infections. 2. TAXONOMY As indicated previously, all livings beings are divided into two domains (Prokaryota and Eukaryotes). Within Prokaryota, there are two kingdoms, Archaebacteria and Eubacteria (Bacteria). Eukaryota is composed of five kingdoms including Protozoa, Chromista, Plantae, Animalia and Eumycota. Here, fungi are classified into two domains, Chromista and Eumycota, which are further divided into 5 phyla as follows, 2.1 Chromista (also called Fungi Imperfecti or Deuteromycota) 1. Phylum Hyphochytriomycota Fungi exhibit asexual reproduction and no known sexual stage. Fungi have a haploid vegetative stage and possess cellulose-containing cell walls. These include fungi that are mostly unknown to humans. 2. Phylum Oomycota (also called water moulds) Fungi exhibit asexual reproduction and no known sexual stage.
eBook - ePubWood Microbiology
Decay and Its Prevention
- Robert A. Zabel, Jeffrey J. Morrell(Authors)
- 2020(Publication Date)
- Academic Press(Publisher)
Whittaker (1969) proposed a new classification grouping living organisms into five kingdoms and placed Fungi in a separate Kingdom. Organisms were divided into three domains: Archea (Archaebacteria), Eubacteria, and Eukaryote. Cavalier-Smith further segregated this classification into the Kingdoms: Plantae, Animalia, Protista, Fungi, Eubacteria, and Archaebacteria.- Eubacteria : prokaryotic cells (bacteria)
- Archaebacteria : prokaryotic cells in extreme environments
- Protista: Unicellular or closely related organisms with eukaryotic cells (i.e. protozoa along with single-celled and colonial algae)
- Fungi: Filamentous eukaryotic cells, generally multicellular, heterotrophic, and with external digestion (i.e. Glomeromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Microsporidia, Chytridiomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota). These groups will be discussed in more detail later in this chapter.
- Plantae : Walled eukaryotic cells, multicellular and highly differentiated, and autotrophic (photosynthetic) i.e. higher algae, liverworts, mosses, ferns, and seed plants
- Animalia : Wall-less eukaryotic cells, multicellular and highly differentiated, heterotrophic, with ingestion and internal digestion (i.e. invertebrates, vertebrates)
Fungi are eukaryotes, with those that we are concerned with generally composed of filamentous cells, often multicellular, heterotrophic, and functioning through external digestion. The fungi, as a higher life form, are speculated to have evolved from the Protista along with the separate animal and plant lines. Currently there are a diverse range of ideas on the groupings of organisms in the Protista and their evolutionary relationships to the other kingdoms.
eBook - PDF- Mary Ann Clark, Jung Choi, Matthew Douglas(Authors)
- 2018(Publication Date)
- Openstax(Publisher)
Fungal infections are difficult to cure, since fungi, like their hosts, are eukaryotic, and cladistically related closely to Kingdom Animalia. 24.5 Importance of Fungi in Human Life Fungi are important to everyday human life. Fungi are important decomposers in most ecosystems. Mycorrhizal fungi are essential for the growth of most plants. Fungi, as food, play a role in human nutrition in the form of mushrooms, and also as agents of fermentation in the production of bread, cheeses, alcoholic beverages, and numerous other food preparations. Secondary metabolites of fungi are used as medicines, such as antibiotics and anticoagulants. Fungi are model organisms for the study of eukaryotic genetics and metabolism. VISUAL CONNECTION QUESTIONS 1. Figure 24.14 Which of the following statements is true? a. A dikaryotic ascus that forms in the ascocarp undergoes karyogamy, meiosis, and mitosis to form eight ascospores. b. A diploid ascus that forms in the ascocarp undergoes karyogamy, meiosis, and mitosis to form eight ascospores. c. A haploid zygote that forms in the ascocarp undergoes karyogamy, meiosis, and mitosis to form eight ascospores. d. A dikaryotic ascus that forms in the ascocarp undergoes plasmogamy, meiosis, and mitosis to form eight ascospores. 2. Figure 24.17 Which of the following statements is true? a. A basidium is the fruiting body of a mushroom-producing fungus, and it forms four basidiocarps. b. The result of the plasmogamy step is four basidiospores. c. Karyogamy results directly in the formation of mycelia. d. A basidiocarp is the fruiting body of a mushroom-producing fungus. 3. Figure 24.21 If symbiotic fungi are absent from the soil, what impact do you think this would have on plant growth? REVIEW QUESTIONS 4. Which polysaccharide is usually found in the cell wall of fungi? a. starch b. glycogen c. chitin d. cellulose 5. Which of these organelles is not found in a fungal cell? a. chloroplast b. nucleus c. mitochondrion d. Golgi apparatus 6.
eBook - PDF- Richard G. Botzler, Richard N. Brown(Authors)
- 2014(Publication Date)
- University of California Press(Publisher)
Because the usual definition of species as members of sexually interbreeding groups cannot always be applied, the taxonomy of fungi, including yeasts, histori-cally has been based on morphology, along with some physiological characterizations, and some specialized tests adapted from clinical bacteriol-ogy (Dixon et al. 1999, Merz and Roberts 1999). Fungal systematics have changed considerably over the years, being particularly influenced by acceptance of phylogenetic-based systems of clas-sification, development of molecular techniques, and discovery of new taxa, including fossils. There is a proposal for a major revision of the phylogenetic classification of the Kingdom Fungi Kingdom Fungi 207 that calls for one subkingdom, Dikarya, compris-ing the Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes, as well as seven phyla (Hibbett et al. 2007). However, until it is clear where the majority of pathogenic fungi are placed in this revision, we currently fol-low the more traditional format of recognizing four phyla in the Kingdom Fungi: Chytridiomy-cota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomy-cota (App. 1: Table 6). The Form-group Deuteromycota (App. 1: Table 6), also called Mitosporic Fungi (Howard 2003), was established by taxonomists to include organisms known only in anamorph form. In recent years, molecular phylogeny has been applied extensively to members of the Kingdom Fungi (Lutzoni et al. 2004, James et al. 2006, Spatafora et al. 2006), and many asexual fungi have been linked with their sexual relatives. For example, members of the pathogenic genera Blastomyces, Emmonsia, Histoplasma, and Paracoccidioides are closely related, with about 5% base differences, and with even less of a difference between Blastomyces and Emmonsia (Gueho et al. 1997). All now are known to be closely allied with other mem-bers of the Family Onygenaceae in the Class Ascomycetes (Howard 2003). In this text, mem-bers of the Deuteromycota are included with their close sexual relatives wherever possible.
eBook - PDF- Rodney P. Anderson, Linda Young, Kim R. Finer(Authors)
- 2020(Publication Date)
- Wiley(Publisher)
The suffix -mycota refers to a fungal phylum, and the suffix -mycetes describes a taxonomic class or division. Mycologists construct fungal disease names by naming the implicated genus and adding the suffix -sis. For example, histoplasmosis is a fungal disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. 7.3 The Fungi 153 REMEMBER THIS! Figure 5.4a describes NAG as a component of bacterial cell walls. Review its role as a structural component before continuing. Fungi are economically important as food and as a source of pharmaceutical products, including the antibiotics penicillin and cephalosporin. Fungal pathogens tend to be opportunistic, and as humans live longer (and their immune responses wane), severe mycoses are on the rise. Also, fungal crop pathogens destroy one- third of all food crops per year; countries that regularly experience food shortages are particularly susceptible to such failures, which make dire situations worse. Biodiversity has also been adversely impacted by fungi. For example, fungal infections in combination with climate change have diminished the numbers of bats, rep- tiles, and amphibians in a variety of ecosystems. Although mycologists estimate that there are more than 1.5 million fungal species, there are only two forms of fungi—yeasts and molds—and three principal fungal structures: unicells, hyphae, and mycelia (Figure 7.2). Some fungi exist in a single General Characteristics and Unique Features Despite the diversity of this kingdom, fungi share several common traits. They acquire their nourishment by secreting hydrolytic enzymes onto a surrounding substrate, digesting it, and absorbing the monomers. Such organisms are known as saprobes (or saprophytes), and they serve the vitally import- ant function of decomposing organic matter. Fungal decom- posers keep the environment clean by recycling nutrients, but they can be harmful to humans when they contaminate food. Most fungi are aerobic, but some species are facultative anaer- obes.
eBook - PDF- Ashok Kumar Bishoyi(Author)
- 2020(Publication Date)
- Delve Publishing(Publisher)
The relative description of different features for the five kingdoms is given in the table 6.1 (Ball & Cherry, 2001; Wang et al., 2004). In order to comprehend the various issues and deliberations influencing the classification system, we have to look at these five kingdom classification Biological Classification 185 in detail. Former classification systems encompassed bacteria, fungi, blue-green algae, ferns, mosses, angiosperms and the gymnosperms under ‘Plants’ kingdom. The feature unifying this whole kingdom was the presence of a cell wall in the cells of these organisms. Consequently, groups having widely different characteristics were placed together. For instance, it brought together the blue-green algae and the prokaryotic bacteria with other groups which were eukaryotic (Pawlowski, 2013). Table 6.1. Features of the Five Kingdoms Characters Five Kingdoms Monera Fungi Protista Plantae Animalia Type of Cell Prokaryotic Eukaryotic Eukaryotic Eukaryotic Eukaryotic Cell wall Noncellulosic (Polysaccharide + amino acid) Present (without cellulose) Present in few Present (cellulose) Absent Body organization Cellular Multicellular / loose tissue Cellular Tissue/ organ Tissue/organ/ organ system Nuclear membrane Absent Present Present Present Present Mode of nutrition Autotrophic and Hetero-trophic Heterotrophic (Saprophytic/ Parasitic) Autotrophic (Photosyn-thetic) and Hetero-trophic Autotrophic (Photosynthetic) Heterotrophic (Holozoic / Saprophytic etc.) Further, it also grouped together the multicellular organisms and unicellular organisms; for instance, Spirogyra and Chlamydomonas were placed together under algae.
eBook - PDF- Davis, Z(Authors)
- 2021(Publication Date)
- Agri Horti Press(Publisher)
Brief Descriptions of Microorganisms Bacteria are relatively simple, prokaryotic organisms whose cells lack a nucleus or nuclear membrane. The bacteria may appear as rods, spheres, or spirals. Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, have unique constituents in their cell walls, and exist in most environments on earth. For instance, they live at temperatures ranging from 0° to 100°C and in conditions that are oxygen rich or oxygen free. A microscope is necessary to see and study them. Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms that include multicellular molds and unicellular yeasts. The yeasts are slightly larger than bacteria and are used in alcoholic fermentations and bread making. Certain yeasts such as Candida albicans are pathogenic. Molds are filamentous, branched fungi that use spores for reproduction. The fungi prefer acidic environments, and most live at room temperature under oxygen-rich conditions. The common mushroom is a fungus. Protozoa are eukaryotic, unicellular organisms. Motion is a characteristic associated with many species, and the protozoa can be classified just as to how they move: Some protozoa use This ebook is exclusively for this university only. Cannot be resold/distributed. 226 Introduction to Fungi flagella, others use cilia, and others use pseudopodia. Certain species are nonmotile. Protozoa exist in an infinite variety of shapes because they have no cell walls. Many species cause such human diseases as malaria, sleeping sickness, dysentery, and toxoplasmosis. The term algae implies a variety of plantlike organisms. In microbiology, several types of single-celled algae are important. Examples are the diatoms and dinoflagellates that inhabit the oceans and are found at the bases of marine food chains. Most algae capture sunlight and transform it to the chemical energy of carbohydrates in the process of photosynthesis. Viruses are ultramicroscopic bits of genetic material enclosed in a protein shell and, sometimes, a membranous envelope.
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