Exploring the Kingdom of Fungi - Diversity and Importance

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, with diverse roles in decomposition, medicine, and food production.
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Application
Mycology | Biotechnology | Food Science | Yeasts | Molds | Mushrooms
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Fungi FAQ


Image credit: plantsnap.com

What are the characteristics of fungi?

Another key trait of fungi is that they aren’t mobile, except for their spores which are mostly dispersed in the air. Fungi are also known for absorbing their food from the environment by breaking down pretty much all forms of organic matter – alive or dead. Fungi are possibly the second most diverse group of organisms after the insects.

What is a fungus in biology?

A fungus ( pl.: fungi or funguses ) is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as one of the traditional eukaryotic kingdoms, along with Animalia, Plantae and either Protista or Protozoa and Chromista.

What are fungi & what do they do?

Fungi include symbionts of plants, animals, or other fungi and also parasites. They may become noticeable when fruiting, either as mushrooms or as molds. Fungi perform an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter and have fundamental roles in nutrient cycling and exchange in the environment.

Fungi References

If you want to know more about Fungi, consider exploring links below:

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