Hobbies And Interests
Imperfect Fungi and Reproduction
The classification division within the fungi kingdom called imperfect fungi is more a classification by default. Since scientists classify fungi based primarily on their reproduction, any fungus that has no sexual stage, or reproduces asexually, is dubbed an imperfect fungus. Scientists think that these fungi have lost the ability to reproduce sexually somewhere in their evolution. They still have many questions about how they do reproduce.
Imperfect Fungi and Humans
This type of fungi has many uses to humans. Imperfect fungi give blue, Gorgonzola and Roquefort cheeses their unique flavors, and are used to create penicillin. Some imperfect fungi are parasitic and cause disease in animals and plants. These organisms cause human ailments like ringworm, yeast infections and athlete's foot.
Lichens and Symbiosis
Rather than a singular organism, lichens are actually a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae. The fungus usually provides the shape and structure of the lichen, while most of the mass is from tissues created by the algae. The symbiotic relationship involves food; the algae provide carbohydrates to the fungi, and the fungi provide nitrogen and other nutrients to the algae.
Physical Characteristics of Lichens
Lichens vary in color from reds and oranges to yellows and greens. Their appearance and structure is leaf-like, crust-like or small and shrubby. They are able to live in harsh environments such as tundra and volcanic rock, and can survive long periods without water. In times without water, the algae will stop photosynthesis and the lichen will enter a suspended state until water returns.