Summary
Eukaryotic organisms with chitin cell walls that absorb nutrients, including yeasts, moulds and mushrooms.
In depth
Fungi are heterotrophs that digest food externally and absorb it. Bodies consist of hyphae forming a mycelium. Cell walls contain chitin. Groups: chytrids, zygomycetes, ascomycetes and basidiomycetes.
They decompose, form symbioses and cause disease.
Septate hyphae have cross walls; coenocytic hyphae do not. Fungi decompose lignin and cellulose. Some form symbioses. They are more closely related to animals than plants.
Example: mushrooms are fruiting bodies, the visible part of a hidden network.
Fungi are more closely related to animals than plants, sharing a common ancestor, the opisthokonts. Hyphae may be septate or coenocytic, growing at the tips and secreting enzymes, which makes them superb decomposers. A single Armillaria mycelium in Oregon covers about 900 hectares. Ecological roles include decomposition, mycorrhizae, lichen partners and pathogens of plants and animals.
Humans use fungi for foods (mushrooms, cheese, soy sauce), drugs (penicillin from Penicillium, cyclosporin) and enzymes. They cause losses to crops (wheat rust, rice blast) and diseases such as ringworm, and amphibian chytridiomycosis has driven many frogs towards extinction.
Remember: fungi are heterotrophs that absorb nutrients, and are not plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fungi?
Eukaryotic organisms with chitin cell walls that absorb nutrients, including yeasts, moulds and mushrooms.
Which area of biology covers Fungi, and how advanced is it?
Fungi is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Fungal Reproduction, Fungal Pathogens, Protists.
Can you give an example of Fungi?
The honey fungus Armillaria in Oregon covers about 9 square km.
What should I learn before Fungi?
Fungi is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Microbiology that pair well with it include Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea.
What topics are related to Fungi?
The closest topics to Fungi are Fungal Reproduction, Fungal Pathogens, Protists, Microorganisms. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Fungi?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Fungi. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
How is Fungi different from Fungal Reproduction?
Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms with chitin cell walls that absorb nutrients, including yeasts, moulds and mushrooms. Fungal Reproduction: Fungi reproduce by spores, sexually or asexually, dispersed through the air. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Fungi step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Fungal Reproduction and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.