Hyphae in Fungus – Meaning, Structure, and Types

Hyphae are thin, hair-like structures that grow and intertwine to form the mycelium of a multicellular fungus. Based on the presence of cross walls within each hyphae, they can be categorized as septate hyphae or aseptate hyphae. Hyphae function in absorbing nutrients from the substratum and help in the vegetative growth of a fungus. In this article, we will discuss the structure, function, and types of Hyphae.

What is Hyphae?

Hyphae Definition: Hyphae are thread like structure that make up the mycelia of multicellular fungi. They can be septate or aseptate.

Hyphae meaning the thread-like, tubular structures that make up the basic structural unit of a fungus. The word Hypha means a web in Greek and so the term hyphae was given to these thread-like structures as they form a web-like network under the ground.

They can be septate or aseptate. Hyphae septate are cross-walls dividing the hypha into individual cells or septums, while aseptate hyphae lack these walls, forming a continuous tube.

Hyphae extend and grow at their tips and when these hyphae branch and intertwine, they form a mycelium. The hyphae function is to absorb nutrients. However, they help in reproduction by allowing the development of reproductive bodies at their tips.

Structure of Hyphae

The structure of hyphae varies from fungi to fungi but shares some key structural characteristics. These characteristics include:

• Cell Wall: The cell wall is a rigid outer layer that is composed of chitin, glucans, and other complex polysaccharides and provides support to the structure of the hyphal cell.
• Cytoplasm: The hyphal threads are filled with cytoplasm and are characterized by various organelles, including nuclei, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
• Nuclei: Hyphae may possess one or more nuclei according to the fungus’s need. In some species of fungi, the nuclei are evenly distributed throughout the hyphae, while in others, they may be concentrated in certain regions.
• Mycelium: The collection of hyphae is known as mycelium. Mycelium can travel and extend over large areas, secreting enzymes to break down complex organic matter therefore helping in nutrient absorption.

Hyphae Diagram

The labeled diagram of hyphae is given below:

Types of Hyphae

Based on structure and function, hyphae are of two main types:

Septate Hyphae

Almost all filamentous fungi have septate hyphae; in this type of hyphae, the body of the fungi is segmented via cross-walls known as septa and these septa consist of pores that facilitate the movement of organelles and nutrients between adjacent segments. Additionally, each segmented portion possesses one or more nuclei depending on the fungi species. In tissue, septate fungal hyphae appear as hyaline (lightly or nonpigmented), septate, branching filamentous organisms that can mimic aspergillosis.

Coenocytic Hyphae or Nonseptate Hyphae

Some fungi, including Zygomycetes and Glomeromycota, possess coenocytic hyphae. This type of hyphae lacks septa i.e. the body of the fungi is not separated into units, but runs as a continuous, multinucleated cytoplasmic mass. They have pores in between the cells to allow the flow of nutrients and cytoplasm all over the mycelium.

This structure allows for rapid growth and efficient nutrient transport, which can be beneficial for the fungus in colonizing new areas or obtaining nutrients. However, coenocytic hyphae are very susceptible to death if damaged.

Functions of Hyphae

The Hyphae functions are:

Nutrient Absorption

Fungi are typically heterotrophic i.e. they acquire nutrients from organic substrates. Hyphae are involved in the uptake of nutrients such as simple sugars, amino acids, and minerals from the environment.

Exploration and Colonization

Hyphae have the ability to form branches and extend over surfaces which helps them form colonies in their surroundings. This ability enables the fungi to penetrate and grow into organic matter, a process important for nutrient recycling in ecosystems.

Reproduction

Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually, and hyphae are vital in both reproductive processes. For example, the formation of reproductive structures like spores typically involves specialized structures of hyphae.

Cellular Communication

Within the fungal colony, the hyphae play a crucial role in the communication and coordination of various functions. The interwoven network of hyphae, allows the transmission of chemical signals, helping the fungus respond to numerous environmental stimuli and manage growth and reproduction.

Pathogenic Activity

Various species of fungi are pathogenic in nature and can cause diseases in plants, animals, or humans. The hyphal structures present in these fungi allow them to penetrate and infect host tissues, causing infection and disease.

Environmental Adaptation

As the hyphae grows and branches it enables the fungi to adapt to various environmental conditions. Fungi can respond to various stimuli including nutrient availability, and temperature, by regulating the pattern in which the hyphae grow.

Symbiotic Relationships

Hyphae possess the ability to form symbiotic relationships, such as in mycorrhizal associations, fungal hyphae form relationships with plant roots that help in the nutrient absorption for both the fungus and the plant. Another example includes how fungal hyphae combine with algae or cyanobacteria in lichens to form a composite organism.

Conclusion – Hyphae

Hyphae are thread-like structures essential to fungi and actinobacteria that are crucial for adaptability. Hyphae aid in several functions such as nutrient absorption, cellular communication, and forming symbiotic relationships. Understanding hyphae helps us understand fungi’s ecological significance and ecosystem coordination. The complex world of hyphae emphasizes their vital role in shaping biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.

FAQs on Hyphae

What is the Function of the Hyphae?

Hyphae perform various functions including nutrient absorption, cellular communication, forming symbiotic relationships, forming colonies, and reproduction.

What is Yeast and Hyphae?

Yeasts are unicellular fungi, consisting of single cells while hyphae are multicellular, thread-like structures. Additionally, yeasts can only reproduce asexually while hyphae can reproduce asexually as well as sexually.

What are Septate and Aseptate Hyphae?

Septate hypha is segmented i.e. the cells are divided into compartments by cross walls known as septa while aseptate hyphae have no division and is a continuous unit.

What is the Simple Definition of Hyphae?

Hyphae are long- thread-like tubes found in fungi that possess the ability to branch. This ability allows the hyphae to spread over large surfaces and absorb nutrients from organic matter.

What are Hyphae Made of?

Hyphae are composed of cells that are surrounded by a rigid cell wall. The cell walls of hyphae are made of chitin, glucans, and other complex polysaccharides. The cell wall helps maintain the structure of the fungi.

What is Hyphae in Fungi?

Hyphae are thread like structure that make up the mycelia of multicellular fungi. They can be septate or aseptate.

What is Mycelium and Hyphae?

Mycelium is the vegetative structure of fungi whereas hyphae is the individual thread-like structure that make up mycelium.  

What are the Different Types of Hyphae?

The different types of hyphae are – septate and aseptate based on the presence or absence of walls within the hyphae.