Types of fungi

1. Yeasts
2. Molds
3. Mushrooms
4. Truffles
5. Lichens
6. Rusts
7. Smuts
8. Mycorrhizae
9. Penicillium
10. Aspergillus

Types of Fungi Based on Structure and Reproduction

- Chytrids (Chytridiomycota):
- Single-celled or filamentous fungi
- Asexual reproduction via zoospores
- Examples: Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid fungus causing amphibian decline)

- Zygomycetes (Zygomycota):
- Coenocytic (multinucleated) hyphae
- Sexual reproduction via zygospores
- Examples: Rhizopus (bread mold), Mucor

- Ascomycetes (Ascomycota):
- Septate (cross-walled) hyphae
- Sexual reproduction via ascospores produced in enclosed structures called asci
- Examples: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast), Aspergillus, Penicillium

- Basidiomycetes (Basidiomycota):
- Septate hyphae
- Sexual reproduction via basidiospores produced on specialized structures called basidia
- Examples: Mushrooms, rusts, smuts

- Glomeromycetes (Glomeromycota):
- Symbiotic fungi that form arbuscular mycorrhizae with plant roots
- Asexual reproduction via spores
- Examples: Glomus

Types of Fungi Based on Ecology and Habitat

- Saprophytes: Decompose dead organic matter
- Parasites: Obtain nutrients from living hosts
- Mycorrhizal fungi: Form symbiotic relationships with plant roots
- Endophytic fungi: Live within plant tissues without causing harm
- Aquatic fungi: Live in water environments

Types of Fungi Based on Importance

- Beneficial fungi:
- Role in nutrient cycling
- Production of antibiotics (e.g., penicillin)
- Food source for animals (e.g., mushrooms)

- Harmful fungi:
- Cause diseases in plants (e.g., rusts, smuts)
- cause diseases in animals (e.g., Candida, Cryptococcus)
- Spoilage of food and materials