reproduction is the result of the union of two spores. Most fungi reproduce both sexually
and asexually. Those that produce only asexual spores are known as Deuteromycetes
Fungi imperfecti. This group is important because it contains most of the pathogenic
fungi. The yeasts reproduce both by spores and by a process known as budding, which
is similar to binary fission. The yeast cell forms a small knoblike protrusion, or bud
(figure 2-9), that separates from the mother cell and grows until it reaches full size, at
which time the process is repeated.
c. Growth. Fungi grow well under the same conditions that favor the growth of
bacteria--warmth and moisture. It is for this reason that fungal infections pose a serious
problem to troops in the tropics. As the temperature decreases, fungal activity also
decreases; however, the spores are very resistant to cold, some surviving freezing
temperatures for long periods of time. On the other hand, fungi are easily killed at high
temperatures.
Figure 2-9.
Typical mycelium of a fungus.
2-19. CLASSIFICATION OF FUNGI
Fungi are usually classified according to biological taxonomy based upon the
type of hypha, spore, and reproduction. There are four classes of fungi, whose
characteristics are shown in Table 2-5 and figure 2-10.
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