Michael Davis
Mushrooms are a part of the Kingdom Fungi, which also includes mould, yeast, puffballs, and toadstools. The basic cellular unit of filamentous fungal structures is called hyphae. These are thin, hair-like structures that form the body of the fungus. They are collectively called a mycelium, which can be described as a tangled mass of hyphae. The word 'hypha' comes from the Ancient Greek word 'huphḗ', meaning 'web'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Long, branching, filamentous structures of a fungus, oomycete, or actinobacterium |
| Size | 0.5 to 20 µm, with most ranging from 2 to 10 µm in diameter |
| Composition | One or more cells surrounded by a tubular cell wall made of chitin, glucans, and other complex polysaccharides |
| Types | Septate (with cross walls or septa) and aseptate (without cross walls) |
| Functions | Absorb nutrients, aid in reproduction, produce digestive enzymes, form symbiotic relationships, and more |
| Growth | Occurs primarily by apical extension or tip growth, with branching common |
| Fungi Containing Hyphae | Mushrooms, toadstools, yeasts, puffballs, molds, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Hyphae are the basic cellular unit of filamentous fungal structures
Hyphae are the basic structural unit of filamentous fungal structures. They are long, branching, thread-like structures that form the body of fungi. The word 'hypha' comes from the Ancient Greek word 'huphḗ', meaning 'web', and this term was given to these structures because they form a web-like network under the ground.
Hyphae are made up of one or more cells surrounded by a tubular cell wall. The cell wall is a rigid outer layer composed of chitin, glucans, and other complex polysaccharides, providing support to the structure of the hyphal cell. The major structural polymer in fungal cell walls is typically chitin, which is in contrast to plants and oomycetes, which have cellulosic cell walls. The diameter of a hypha is usually between 2 and 10 μm, although they can be as small as 0.5 μm or as large as 20 μm.
In most fungi, hyphae are divided into cells by internal cross-walls called 'septa' (singular: septum). Septa are usually perforated by pores large enough for organelles and nutrients to flow between cells. Some fungi, such as Zygomycetes and Glomeromycota, possess coenocytic hyphae, which lack septa and run as a continuous, multinucleated cytoplasmic mass. The hyphae with one nucleus in each compartment are known as monokaryotic, while those with two genetically distinct and sexually compatible nuclei are called dikaryotic.
Hyphae play an essential role in the absorption of nutrients, the production of digestive enzymes, and the formation of symbiotic relationships. They also help in reproduction by allowing the development of reproductive bodies at their tips.
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Hyphae are involved in the production of vegetative spores
A hypha is a long, branching, filamentous structure of a fungus, oomycete, or actinobacterium. In most fungi, hyphae are the main mode of vegetative growth, and are collectively called a mycelium. A hypha consists of one or more cells surrounded by a tubular cell wall. In most fungi, hyphae are divided into cells by internal cross-walls called "septa" (singular septum). Septa are usually perforated by pores large enough for ribosomes, mitochondria, and sometimes nuclei to flow between cells.
Hyphae play an essential role in the production of vegetative spores. In some species of fungi, the terminal of most hyphae bears a sac-like structure, bearing spores such as sporangia or zoosporangia. Once matured, these spores are released from the sac, get dispersed, and develop into new individuals. Hyphae originate as tubular structures of spores. The formation of apical and lateral branches increases the surface area colonized by a hyphal network. The partitioning of hyphae into cellular units by cross-walls, known as septa, permits compartmentalization of functions and is thought to play a key role in supporting the development of reproductive structures that bear spores.
The direction of hyphal growth can be controlled by environmental stimuli, such as the application of an electric field. Hyphae can also sense reproductive units from some distance and grow towards them. Hyphae can weave through a permeable surface to penetrate it. Hyphae may be modified in many different ways to serve specific functions. For example, in nematode-trapping fungi, hyphae may be modified into trapping structures such as constricting rings and adhesive nets.
The fusion of adjacent hyphae of the same genotype by anastomosis is also common, resulting in a complex network of interconnected cells. Cytoplasmic streaming moves material steadily towards the tips, leaving empty or vacuolated hyphae behind. This process helps conserve scarce nutrients such as nitrogen and places these materials at the actively growing hyphal tip, where they can be used for cell wall synthesis or enzyme production.
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Hyphae are categorised as septate or aseptate hyphae
Hyphae are long, branching, filamentous structures of a fungus, oomycete, or actinobacterium. They are the basic building blocks of fungi and form the body of fungi. They cluster together to form mycelium, which is a large or tangled mass of hyphae. Mycelium makes up the thallus or fruiting body of the fungus.
Aseptate hyphae, also called non-septate or coenocytic hyphae, are characterised by the absence of a cross wall or septa. They lack walls and cell membranes between the cells. Aseptate hyphae are associated with Mucor, some zygomycetes, and other fungi.
The presence or absence of septa in hyphae is important in fungal classification. Septate hyphae are found in later lineages, often referred to as "higher fungi", while early-diverging lineages of fungi have coenocytic hyphae.
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Hyphae play a role in the formation of symbiotic relationships
Hyphae are long, branching, thread-like structures of a fungus, oomycete, or actinobacterium. They are the basic cellular unit of filamentous fungal structures and form the body of fungi. They are collectively called a mycelium, a large or tangled mass of hyphae. Fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they obtain nutrients from decaying matter by producing digestive enzymes that digest the food. This type of digestion in fungi is called extracellular digestion, as it occurs outside the fungi.
Hyphae play a crucial role in the formation of symbiotic relationships, particularly in mutualistic associations between fungi and plants known as mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizae are derived from the Greek words "myco" meaning fungus and "rhizo" meaning root. They refer to the symbiotic relationship between vascular plant roots and their symbiotic fungi. About 90% of all vascular plant species are believed to form these partnerships, and they are critical for the survival of both the fungi and the plants involved.
In this mutualistic relationship, the hyphae of the fungi wrap around and penetrate the plant roots, aiding in the absorption of minerals, water, and moisture, which benefits the plant. This increased surface area for absorption allows the fungus to extract minerals such as phosphorus and nitrogen from the soil. In exchange, the plant provides the fungus with organic nutrients, primarily sugars produced through photosynthesis. This symbiotic relationship is essential for the plants' growth in diverse soil conditions and supports the fungi, which rely on these carbohydrates for energy.
Mycorrhizae also enable plants to move into new habitats and increase their uptake of nutrients, giving them a selective advantage over plants that do not have symbiotic relationships. Additionally, they can help plants overcome nitrogen limitations by distributing nutrients based on the environment and surrounding plants. Furthermore, mycorrhizae can form a dense sheath around the roots of certain plant families, mostly woody plants, including birch, oak, pine, and orchids.
Lichens are another example of a mutualistic relationship where a fungus forms a physical and physiological partnership with a photosynthetic organism, such as a eukaryotic alga or a prokaryotic cyanobacterium. The body of a lichen, called a thallus, is formed of hyphae wrapped around the photosynthetic partner. The photosynthetic organism provides carbon and energy in the form of carbohydrates, while the fungus supplies minerals and protection from dryness and excessive light.
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Hyphae are involved in the reproduction of fungi
A hypha is a long, branching, filamentous structure of a fungus, oomycete, or actinobacterium. In most fungi, hyphae are the main mode of vegetative growth and are collectively called a mycelium. A hypha consists of one or more cells surrounded by a tubular cell wall. The cell wall is typically made of chitin, in contrast to plants and oomycetes, which have cellulosic cell walls.
Furthermore, the growth and branching of hyphae contribute to the formation of reproductive structures. The characteristic tip growth of hyphae leads to the formation of elongated tubes, and the development of apical and lateral branches increases the surface area colonized by a hyphal network. The partitioning of hyphae into cellular units by cross-walls, called septa, is thought to play a key role in supporting the development of reproductive structures that bear spores. Septa likely function as cell wall strengtheners, but they may also maintain turgor pressure and protect the cell in the event of damage.
The fusion of adjacent hyphae by anastomosis results in a complex network of interconnected cells. This process helps conserve scarce nutrients and places these materials at the actively growing hyphal tips for cell wall synthesis or enzyme production. The direction of hyphal growth can be influenced by environmental stimuli, such as the application of an electric field.
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Frequently asked questions
Hyphae are the basic cellular unit of filamentous fungal structures. They are thin, hair-like structures that form the body of fungi.
Hyphae are surrounded by a rigid outer layer called a cell wall, which is composed of chitin, glucans, and other complex polysaccharides.
Hyphae aid in nutrient absorption, cellular communication, and the formation of symbiotic relationships. They also play a role in the production of vegetative spores, fragmentation, and reproduction.
Septate hyphae are divided into cells by internal cross-walls called "septa," while aseptate hyphae lack these walls and form a continuous tube. Septa are typically perforated by pores that allow the flow of organelles and nuclei between cells.
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, and hyphae form the structure of all fungi. The mushrooms that grow above ground form a similar pattern to the underground mat of hyphal threads.
