/n Chapter 30 Opener Biological Science, 2/e © 2005 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc. General Characteristics of Fungi Fungi are absorptive heterotrophs that secrete digestive enzymes and are major decomposers of dead organic material. Basic Structure 1. (most) Fungi have cell walls (glucans and chitins). 2. Fungi have a cell membrane. 3. Fungi have organelles (eukaryotes) 4. 5. Fungi have no complete membranes between cells. They are (often) multi-nucleate. 6. Reproduce primarily via spores. 7. 8. 9. Occur primarily as hyphae or as single cells. Occasionally form fruiting bodies. Can extend over a very large area. 3.73 um 138 μm (a) A mycelium is composed of hyphae. Reproductive structure Mycelium Figure 30-6 Biological Science, 2/e © 2005 Pearson Prentice Hall, Inc. Hyphae Hyphae (b) Hyphae are broken into compartments by septa. 1 µm Cell wall Septum Pore