Classification of Fungi

In this article, we will discuss Classification of Fungi. So, let’s get started.

Classification of Fungi

Fungi are organized based on the type of spore bearing structure they produce = sporangium.

3 Phylums:

Phylum Mastigomycota Ex) Water Molds
• Motile spores _ flagella with cellulose cell walls
• Mainly saprophytes
• Sexual and asexual reproduction

Phylum Amastigomycota
• Non – motile spores _chitin cell walls
3 classes:

Class Zygomycetes Ex) Bread mold = Rhizopus
• Form zygospores (sexual reproduction)
• Some saprophytes
• Sexual and asexual spores
• NO dikaryotic stage

Class Ascomycetes Ex) Yeast, truffles
• SAC fungi (sac shaped sporangia)
• Sexual and asexual spores
Sexual spores called ascospores.
• SHORT dikaryotic stage
• Many pathogens of plants ex) Dutch Elm’s disease

Class Basidiomycetes Ex) mushroom, bracket fungi, puff balls
• CLUB fungi
• No asexual spores (sexual spores only = basidiospores)
• LONG dikaryotic stage
• Many are pathogens ex) smuts & rusts
Memory trick: ZAB – no, short, long for dikaryotic stage.

Phylum Deuteromycota Ex) Athlete’s foot, ringworm, thrush, yeast infections
• Imperfect fungi – resemble sac & club fungi
• NO sexual spores (asexual spores only)
• Pathogens of animals ⇒ ringworm, Athlete’s foot ⇒ Parasites