Page 88 - MNU microbiology theoritical 2025
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General Microbiology & Immunology (PM 401) Second level Semester 4 2024/2025
How do Fungi Feed?
• Fungi absorb food from their surroundings.
• The hyphae absorb nutrients and water from their surroundings, giving
energy for further growth and reproduction
Nutritional status of fungi
1- Saprophytic Fungi
They feed on the dead remains of plants or animals, or on waste materials
(such as dung)
2- Parasites
They use organic materials (plants, animals and humans) from
living organisms, harming them
3- Symbiosis
They have a beneficial relationship with other living
organisms
➢ Mycorrhizae: associations of fungi with plants roots.
➢ Lichens: associations of fungi with algae or cyanobacteria
Requirements of fungal growth
➢ Heterotrophic organisms (require organic carbon).
➢ As with bacteria, the vegetative portion grows when conditions are optimal.
Spores are formed under adverse conditions.
➢ For the pH, Most grow best between pH 4.5- 6.5.
➢ The most suitable medium for growing fungi is Sabaraud's medium
(characterized by high glucose level and acidic pH, conditions that inhibit
most bacterial growth).
General Microbiology & Immunology (PM 401) theoretical handbook Page 77
