Cracking the AP Biology Exam

9

Diversity of Organisms

IV. KINGDOM FUNGI

A. Fungi

Fungi are generally multicellular eukaryotes with cell walls made of chitin. Some, like yeast, are unicellular. Since they lack chlorophyll, they are heterotrophs. They feed using threadlike branches (called hyphae) that secrete digestive enzymes into food and absorb the products. The group includes parasites, pathogens (athlete’s foot), and decomposers. Fungi reproduce either by forming spores or by budding.