Classification of Fungi: Exploring Morphological Characteristics

Different methods of classification of Fungi

Let’s discuss about different methods of classification of Fungi.

1. Morphological Classification:

This method relies on the physical characteristics of fungi to classify them. These characteristics include:
- Thallus Structure: The overall body structure of fungi. It can be unicellular (yeast) or multicellular (molds and mushrooms).
- Hyphae: The filaments that make up the body of most fungi. The presence, absence, and characteristics of hyphae are considered.
- Reproductive Structures: Features such as the presence of spore-producing structures, their location, and morphology.
- Color and Texture: The color and texture of the fungal body, such as smooth or rough, are also taken into account.

2. Classification Based on Reproductive Structures:

This method categorizes fungi based on the structures they use to produce spores, which are essential for reproduction. The major categories include:
- Zygomycota: Fungi in this group produce zygospores, which result from the fusion of specialized sexual structures.
- Ascomycota: These fungi produce ascospores within sac-like structures called asci, typically found in cup-shaped fruiting bodies.
- Basidiomycota: Fungi in this group produce basidiospores on club-shaped structures called basidia, often seen in mushrooms.

3. Nutrition and Mode of Life Classification:

This method focuses on how fungi obtain their nutrients and their ecological roles:
- Saprophytic Fungi: These fungi obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter. They play a vital role in decomposing dead organisms and recycling nutrients in ecosystems.
- Parasitic Fungi: Parasitic fungi feed on living organisms, causing diseases in plants, animals, and even humans.
- Mutualistic Fungi: These fungi form symbiotic relationships with other organisms. For example, mycorrhizal fungi form partnerships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient uptake.

4. Genetic Classification:

Advances in molecular biology have revolutionized fungal taxonomy by using genetic information. This method includes:
- DNA Sequencing: Analyzing the DNA of fungi to identify genetic markers that differentiate species.
- Phylogenetic Analysis: Constructing evolutionary trees (phylogenies) based on genetic data to determine the evolutionary relationships among fungi.
- Comparative Genomics: Comparing the genomes of different fungi to understand their genetic diversity.

2.1	Pathophysiology
2.2	Pharmaceutical Microbiology
2.3	Pharmacognosy & Phytopharmaceuticals
2.4	Pharmacology-I
2.5	Community Pharmacy
2.6	Pharmacotherapeutics-I

Second Year B Pharm Notes, Syllabus, Books, PDF Subjectwise/Topicwise

S Y B Pharm Sem III	S Y B Pharm Sem IV
BP301T Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry II Theory	BP401T Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry III Theory
BP302T Physical Pharmaceutics I Theory	BP402T Medicinal Chemistry I Theory
BP303T Pharmaceutical Microbiology Theo	BP403T Physical Pharmaceutics II Theory
BP304T Pharmaceutical Engineering Theory	BP404T Pharmacology I Theory
BP305P Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry II Practical	BP405T Pharmacognosy I Theory
BP306P Physical Pharmaceutics I Practical	BP406P Medicinal Chemistry I Practical
BP307P Pharmaceutical Microbiology Practical	BP407P Physical Pharmaceutics II Practical
BP308P Pharmaceutical Engineering Practical	BP408P Pharmacology I Practical
	BP409P Pharmacognosy I Practical