Ch. 21 part two-- Fungus

Question 1

fungus

Answer 1

heterotrophic eukaryotes with cell walls that contain chitin

Question 2

decomposers produce what and then release them how?

Answer 2

produce powerful enzymes and release them through their cell walls that digest food outside their bodies

Question 3

how can a fungus live?

Answer 3

they can live as a parasite by absorbing the nutrients from the bodies of their hosts

Question 4

what does a fungus’ cell wall contain?

Answer 4

cell walls contain chitin that is a polymer of modified sugars

Question 5

short answer about structure of a fungus:

Answer 5

The structure of a fungus consists of three parts: hyphae, mycelium, and the fruiting body. The hyphae has cell walls that are long branching filaments. There are cross walls that divide the hyphae up into compartments.Underneath the soil, the hyphae comes together into a tangled mass known as mycelium. The mycelium remains below the soil and is not visible. The mycelium is a major part of the fungus and goes on for miles. For example, underneath a fungus in a forest, the mycelium could stretch from one end to another. The part of a fungus that comes above ground and everyone can see, is known as the fruiting body. The fruiting body is the reproductive structure of the fungus made of hyphae that grows from the mycelium.

Question 6

what is the most important role of a fungus in an ecosystem? why is it important? (short answer)

Answer 6

A fungus’ most important role in the ecosystem is to decompose and lead to the recycling of nutrients. Decomposition by a fungus is important because when the fungus breaks down plants and dead material, the fungi is releasing nutrients back into the soil. The fungi returns carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and other trace elements back into the soil, and atmosphere, along with the nutrients that were removed by the plants. If a fungus did not break down the dead organism and decaying matter, the organic molecules would remain tied up inside the bodies. The breaking down of matter and organisms is done when a fungi secrete enzymes from the hyphae tips into the soil. If a fungi did not decompose dead material or recycle nutrients, plants would not be able to obtain the nutrients they need to survive.

Question 7

lichens

Answer 7

plant diseases such as corn smut, wheat rust, and mildews cause over 15% damage to crops and plants in the world

Question 8

SEE FUNGUS STRUCTURE DIAGRAM AND KNOW THIS

Question 9

SEE SECOND DIAGRAM AND KNOW THIS AND BE ABLE TO LABEL THIS

Question 10

Mycorrhizae short answer: Why do 80-90% of our plants live in a mutualistic relationship with a fungus?

Answer 10

A mutualistic relationship between a (green) plant and a fungus, especially at the root, is known as Mycorrhizae. The hyphae in a fungus that go below the soil creating mycelium extend the root coverage, allowing a faster and greater way for the fungus and the plant to get what they need from one another. The extended hyphae collect water and minerals and bring them to the roots. This increases the surface area and the speed of growth of the plant. In this mycorrhizae relationship, both parties benefit from one another. The plant absorbs water and minerals from the roots, which is brought in by the hyphae of the fungus. This allows the plants to grow faster, bigger, and stronger. The plant then provides energy for the fungus by going through photosynthesis.