Ch 21: Introduction to Fungi
About This Chapter
Introduction to Fungi - Chapter Summary and Learning Objectives
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms whose cell structures and nutrient sources differentiate them from plants and bacteria. The video lessons included in this chapter can introduce you to the life cycles and environmental effects of fungi types you may already be familiar with, as well as some of those you've never heard of. This chapter can help you understand the following:
- Characteristics of mushrooms, molds, and yeasts
- Differences between symbiotic and parasitic fungi
- Methods of sexual and asexual reproduction
- Relationship between fungi and environmental health
| Video | Objective |
|---|---|
| What are Fungi? - Types and Characteristics | Describes characteristics of multicellular and unicellular types of fungi, such as mushrooms and molds. Explains how fungi live as decomposers, symbionts, and parasites that absorb nutrients from a decaying organism or a living host. The roles of spores and heterokaryotic cells in reproduction are also covered. |
| The Diversity of Fungi | Defines the various types of fungi, including Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Deuteromycota. Lesson content also discusses the differences between characteristics of yeasts, lichens, and mycorrhiza. |
| Ecological Effects of Fungi | Describes the role fungi plays in speeding the decomposition of dead and decaying organic material. The harmful effects of parasitic fungi on human health, types of fungal diseases, and the benefits of symbiotic fungi are also discussed. |
1. What are Fungi? - Types and Characteristics
In this lesson, we will examine the group of organisms known as the fungi. This group includes the familiar organisms mushrooms, yeasts and molds. We will look at several major characteristics of fungi, as well as a few disease-causing fungi.
2. The Diversity of Fungi
The Fungi Kingdom is unique and quite diverse. In this video lesson, you'll learn about the different groups of fungi and see how fungi are much more than just mushrooms and molds!
3. Ecological Effects of Fungi
The Fungi Kingdom is very diverse. Many fungi species are beneficial, while others can pose risks to both the environment and us. In this video lesson, you will learn about some of the ways that fungi affect ecology and human health.
Earning College Credit
Did you know… We have over 95 college courses that prepare you to earn credit by exam that is accepted by over 2,000 colleges and universities. You can test out of the first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Anyone can earn credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level.
To learn more, visit our Earning Credit Page
Transferring credit to the school of your choice
Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Study.com has thousands of articles about every imaginable degree, area of study and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you.
Other Chapters
Other chapters within the Biology: High School course
- Basic Terms & Skills in Biological Science
- Analyzing Scientific Data
- Inorganic and Organic Chemistry for High School Biology
- Enzyme Function, Interactions & Regulation
- Cell Biology
- Bacterial Biology Overview
- Intro to Viruses
- Metabolic Biochemistry for High School
- Cell Growth & The Process of Cell Division
- Nucleic Acids: DNA & RNA
- Requirements of Biological Systems
- The Transcription and Translation Process
- Mendelian Genetics & Mechanisms of Heredity
- Types & Effects of Genetic Mutations
- DNA Technology and Genomics
- Basic Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques
- Geologic Time Scale
- Evolution Overview
- Plant Biology
- Plant Growth and Reproduction
- Introduction to Invertebrates
- Introduction to Vertebrates
- Physiology: Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive, Excretory, Muscuskeletal Systems
- Physiology: Nervous, Immune, Endocrine Systems
- Ecology & Environment
- Animal Reproduction & Development
- Animal Populations and Behaviors
- Teacher Resources for High School Biology
- Student Resources for High School Biology
