Page 143 - Biology_F5

Biology for Advanced Level Secondary Schools

Adaptations of Agaricus to its (b) Observe the specimen using a hand
saprophytic mode of life lens or under a low power of the
Members of the genus Agaricus are light microscope.
adapted to saprophytic mode of life. The (c) Take note of the gills radiating out
adaptations of Agaricus to its mode of life from the stalk (stipe) like the spokes
are as follows: of the wheel.
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
(a) They have ability to secrete a variety (d) Examine part of the gill under high
of hydrolytic enzymes for extracellular power and note the presence of tiny
digestion of various organic matters. club-shaped basidia lining one side

(b) They possess rhizomorphs, which are of the gill. Sometimes, small finger-
responsible for absorption of nutrients like projections at the tips of basidia
from the substratum. are visible in which black spots
(c) They have stipe for upward transport ‘basidiospores’ are found.
of nutrients to reach cap cells. Questions

(d) They store carbohydrates in the form of 1. Describe the structure you have
glycogen for use during food shortage. observed.
(e) They are able to grow and survive 2. Outline the adaptive features of
on different substrata to increase the the specimen to its mode of life.
chance of survival.
(f) They produce large number of very Safety precaution
tiny and resistant basidiospores, which Some mushroom species are poisonous
are easily dispersed and resistant to when consumed, so be careful when
harsh conditions. dealing with mushrooms.

(g) They have pileus or cap made up
of closely packed hyphae to confer 3.5.2 Economic importance of Fungi
protection to the gills. Although some fungal species are

pathogenic, as they cause diseases in plants
Activity 3.5: Observation of a mushroom and animals, most fungi are saprophytic

Materials and are important to human life in different
Fresh or preserved mushroom, hand lens ways. Fungi play an important role in the
medical industry, agriculture, research and
or light microscope, petri dish, and a ecosystem functioning.
pair of gloves

Procedure Advantages of kingdom Fungi
(a) Wear a pair of gloves on your (a) Some members of the kingdom
hands, collect a fresh or preserved Fungi such as Agaricus species are
specimen of mushroom and put it in source of food to human being. For
example Agaricus bisporus are the
a petri dish. most important edible mushroom

Form Five Student’s Book
136