THALLOPHYTES: FUNGI 
265 
have been so modified by their parasitic and saprophytic 
habits that they have lost all likeness to the Algae, and 
their connection with them is very obscure. 
178. The plant body. Discarding certain problematical 
forms, to be mentioned later, the bodies of all true Fungi 
are organized upon a uniform general plan, to which they 
can all be referred (Fig. 232). A set of colorless branching 
FIG. 232. A diagrammatic representation of Mucor, showing the profusely branching 
mycelium, and three vertical hyphse (sporophores), sporangia forming on b and c. 
After ZOPP. 
filaments, either isolated or interwoven, forms the main 
working body, and is called the mycelium. The interweav- 
ing may be very loose, the mycelium looking like a delicate 
cobweb ; or it may be close and compact, forming a felt-like 
mass, as may often be seen in connection with preserved 
fruits. The individual threads are called hyphce (singular, 
JiypJia) or hyplial threads. The mycelium is in contact with 
its source of food supply, which is called the substratum. 
