Transcript Basic Biology - Tulsa Master Gardeners

Basic Biology
Tulsa County Master Gardeners
2014
Robyn Stroup
5 Kingdoms of Life
• Kingdom Animalia
• Kingdom Plantae
• Kingdom Fungi*
• Kingdom Protista*
• Kingdom Monera*
Kingdom Fungi
• What are fungi?
• Fungi are not plants.
Do not contain chlorophyll.
• Include yeast, molds and mushrooms.
Fungi contd.
• Help decay organic matter to enrich soil which
helps recycle carbon.
• Can cause disease in crops and ornamentals.
• Rusts, smuts, and blights are all common
names of plant fungal infections.
Fungi contd.
• Most people think of mushrooms.
• Actually the mushroom is the spore producing
structure of a fungi.
• The rest of the mushroom is composed of long
threads called hyphae.
• A mass of hyphae is called a mycelium.
Micorrhizae fungi and plant roots
• Micorrhizae fungi are in mutual symbionic
relationship with some plant roots where both
benefit.
• In exchange for sugars, the plants produce via
photosynthesis, the fungi supplies the plants
with essential nutrients such as phosphorous.
• The hyphae can be found on the outside of
plant roots or inside the root.
Antifungal agents or fungicides
• Fungal cells are much like animal cells.
• Therefore, fungicides are usually toxic to
humans.
• Read labels carefully and follow directions
closely!
Kingdom Protista
• Some have plant-like characteristics.
• Some have animal-like characteristics.
• Only common characteristic is that they can
survive as single independent cells.
• Though some live in groups or colonies.
Protistans
• Very diverse group of organisms.
• Includes protozoans, slime molds, algae, and
lichens.
Protozoans
• Many have animal-like characteristics in that
they can move around.
• Important in the food chain as a food source
for slightly larger organisms.
• Some can carry out photosynthesis.
Slime molds
• Can exist as independent cells, but will group
together and move as a single unit.
• Found on decaying organic matter.
• Important as decomposers.
• Rarely a problem for gardeners. More of a
temporary novelty.
Algae
• Found in aquatic environments.
• Important in aquatic food chain.
• Major contributor to oxygen in the
atmosphere.
• Appear as a green slime wherever moisture is
constantly present.
• Can be a problem in artificial ponds.
Algacides
• Often contain copper sulfate compounds.
• The effectiveness varies with environmental
conditions.
• Less effective in waters with high alkalinity
and pH
• Less effective when water temperatures are
less than 15°C
• Algae are never eradicated so reapplication is
necessary.
Algacides contd.
• Continuous application will result in copper
build-up in sludge.
• Best way to control algae is reduce organic
matter.
• Adding a UV light to filtration system works
well too.
Lichens
• Lichens - two different organisms that are
completely dependent on one another. A
fungi and an algae.
• The fungi provides physical support and holds
moisture for the algae.
• The algae carries out photosynthesis and
provides the fungi with sugars.
• Often a desirable features on decorative rock.
Kingdom Monera
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Bacteria
Much smaller than fungi or protistans.
Very different cell structure.
Can be carried via insects or garden tools.
Requires antibiotics (anti-life) to control them.
Sensitive to UV light.
Bacteria contd.
• One teaspoon of soil can contain up to 20,000
different species of bacteria.
• Many involved in decomposition.
• Some colonize the roots of legumes and fix
nitrogen in the soil.
• Some breakdown complex chemicals like
petroleum products – bioremediation.
• Some produce antibiotics – ex. Streptomyces.
• Actinobacteria produce ‘geosmin.’
Viruses
• Not classified in any Kingdom.
• Non-living entities.
• Can only survive by invading specific host cell
types.
• Transmitted by insects, nematodes, or garden
tools.
• Can travel via xylem and phloem throughout
plant.
• No chemical treatment. Remove infected plant.
• Do not mulch!!!!!!!!!
Let’s take a short break
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