Chapter 20, Problem 13A

Summary Introduction

To write: The ability of fungi to disperse their spores.

Introduction: In the Kingdom Fungi belong some of the largest and oldest species on Earth. There is a honey fungus in eastern Oregon that is so large it's called the "Humongous Fungus." Many of the fungi are heterotrophic eukaryotes. There are over 100,000 species of fungi.

Explanation of Solution

The production of vast quantities of spores is only partially responsible for the proliferation of fungi around us, in order for them to become prevalent; there must also be processes by which they can distribute their spores, over long distances. Many of the various processes by which fungi spread their spores. By far the most common way that most fungi spread their spores is by riding air currents. The fungi that are spread through the wind also contain what are called dry spores. While spores spread by wind are hydrophobic, the spread water retains water readily and is considered to be hydrophilic. Dispersed water spores also contain "slime" in their spores. Wind dispersal is difficult or at least unlikely due to the weight of the slime, and the fact that the slime masses the spores together.

Conclusion

There are a wide variety of fungi producing flagella and becoming motile. Yet their motility is likely to be put too much emphasis. Considering that these spores are microscopic and have a very small food supply, it is impossible that their flagella will take them any considerable distance away from the parent mycelium, even if they have motility.