Structure
- Grow as filaments called hyphae; mass of hyphae is called mycelium
- Some have septa (cross walls) which divide the filament into compartments containing single nucleus
- Cell walls consist of Chitin: nitrogen-containing polysaccharide
Ecological Interaction
- Most either parasites or decomposers: absorb breakdown products from excreted digestive enzymes
Mutualistic Arrangements
- Mycorrhizae: mutualistic relationships between fungi and plants
- Fungus grows on the roots of plants → facilitate movement of water & nutrients
- Plants provides sugar
- Lichens: relationship between fungi and algae
- Fungus provides water and protection