Classification of Fungi Fungi are classified into four divisions based on the spore case in which spores are

produced. The first three division exhibit asexual as well as sexual reproduction while the fourth division lacks sexual stage. 1. Division Ascomycota: Sac Fungi The spores of sac fungi are produced in small cup-shaped sacs called asci, thus, the term ascomycota. When sac fungi mature, the spores called ascospores are released as the tip of an ascus breaks open. The most common one-celled sac fungi is yeast. Yeast also reproduces through as asexual process called budding. Buds form at the side of the parent cell, pinch off, and grow into new yeast cells that are identical to the parent cell. Other common examples of sac fungi are morels, truffles, cup fungi, and powdery

mildews. 2. Division Basidiomycota: Club Fungi This includes the mushroom, puffballs, bracket or shelf fungi, toadstools, rusts and smuts. They bear spores in a club-shaped spore case called basidium. In mushrooms, the basidia are lined at the gills found under the cap. Club fungi produce spores in tremendous numbers. In fact, an average-sized mushroom could produce up to 16 billion spores. If all these spores would germinate into adult mushrooms, the Earth would probably be covered with mushrooms. The spores rarely germinate nor reach

maturity. 3. Division Zygomycota: Zygote-forming Fungi Zygote-forming fungi are usually seen on bread, cheese, and other decaying foods. Their name implies the presence of sexual spores called zygospores. They produce spores in a round-shaped spore case called sporangium. The black, white, or grayish fuzz you see on bread and decaying food is actually a mass of mature sporangia of mold. Under the microscope, they look like pinheads. Hundreds of spores are released into the air when a sporangium breaks open. The black mold, Rhizopus nigricans, is a

common example of a zygote-forming fungus.

4. Division Deuteromycota: Imperfect Fungi Organisms under this division are called imperfect fungi because they lack sexual reproduction. Most of the fungi that cause diseases in humans, like ringworm and athletes foot belong to this group. Among the economically important imperfect fungi

are Penicillium and Aspergillus.