Classification of Fungi - Phycomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes

Many system of classification of fungi have been proposed by various mycologists. Classification are based on the following features.

·         Morphology and appearance of the fungus.

·         Morphology of reproductive structures.

·         Types of spores and method by which they are produced.

·         Nature of the life cycle.

·         Besides, physiological and biochemical features of fungi help in the classification.

Kingdom Fungi- General Characters

I) According to the septation of the mycelium and on the basis of characteristic features of reproduction. 

a) Phycomycetes

b) Ascomycetes

c) Basidiomycetes

d) Deuteromycetes

20 Examples of Fungi

a) Phycomycetes (The Lower Fungi)

Rhizopus

Mycelium: A septate, Cenocytic

Asexual reproduction: Zoospores, Aplanospores, Chlamydospores, Sporangiospore

Sexual Reproduction: Isogamy, Oogamy

Fruiting body: Zygospore

Examples: Mucor, Rhizopus

b) Ascomycetes(Sac Fungi)

Penicillium

Mycelium:   branched and Septate

Asexual reproduction: Budding, Conidiospores or Conidia

Sexual Reproduction: Fusion of compatible nuclei. Ascospores formed in ascus

A linear, cylindrical, eight-spored ascus of Sordaria fimicola

Fruiting body: Ascocarp (Cleistothecium, perithecium, apothecium)

Yeast

Scarlet cups

 Examples: Yeast, Penicillium, Neurospora, cup fungi, edible morels

c)Basidiomycetes (Club Fungi) : Advanced group of fungi

Agaricus

Mycelium: Secondary, mycelium, dikaryotic

Asexual reproduction: Basidiospores, Oidia

Sexual Reproduction: Somatogamy, Basidiospores formed on sterigmata.

Fruiting body: Basidiocarp

Puff ball

Shelf Fungi                

Examples: Mushroom, Puff balls, bracket fungi, Agaricus, Polyporus, Puccinia, Ustilago

d)Deuteromycetes (Fungi Imperfecti): In these fungi only asexual method of reproduction  by means of conidia has been observed. Perfect or sexual stages are absent. Hence they are grouped under an artificial group called fungi imperfecti.

Fusarium

Mycelium: Branched, septate mycelium

Asexual reproduction: Conidia

Sexual Reproduction: Absent or not known

Fruiting body: Absent

Examples: Fusarium, Collectotrichum, Pyricularia, Cercospora

II) Classification of fungi is based largely on the particular life cycle involved.

·         Zygomycetes

·         Ascomycetes 

·         Basidiomycetes

·         Deuteromycetes

a)Zygomycetes(The Conjugation Fungi): Primitive group of fungi

Rhizopus

Mycelium: Branched, filamentous and coenocytic hyphae.

Asexual reproduction: Non motile sporangiospores

Sexual reproduction: Take place by means of gametangial copulation.

Resting spore or zygospore is formed by the fusion of two gametangia

Zygospore of Rhizopus

Examples: Common bread mould, Rhizopus, Mucor

Learn more: # Fungal Diseases # MCQ on Kingdom Fungi