definition.
Fungi is a living thing.
They are not plants, animals or bacteria.
They have their own unique kingdom.
Fungi have complex eukaryotic cells.
They lack chlorophyll,
hence fungi feeds on organic matter and carbon source for energy.
They have ability to act/function independently.
Fun fact.
There are about 1.5 million (15 Lacs) species of fungi believed to be on earth.
Scientists have discovered 1 lac different species of fungi.
True fungi
Kingdom fungi includes several phyla, here are called true fungi.
Scientists consider these four phyla as true fungi.
1) chytidiomycota
2) zygomycota
3) glomeromycota
4) dikarya
True fungi are also called ascomycota.
It is a taxonomic division within the kingdom fungi.
Fungi which provides spores in microscopic sporangium called ascus.
True fungi are generally
multicellular
Heterotrophic (no photosynthesis)
General characteristics of fungi
Algae belongs to eukarya domain. (Eukaryotic in nature)
They don't have chlorophyll. Therefore photosynthesis can not take place.
Fungi mode of nutrition is heterotrophic.
They use complex organic compound and carbon as source of energy.
Reproduction mode:-
May be sexual or asexual or through spores.
They show symbiotic relationship. (Co- dependency for survival)
Example
1) mycorrhizae.
Fungus and plant exchanges nutrients and water.
This helps in survival of both species.
2) lichens.
Lichens are association between fungus and alga.
Algae is its photosynthetic partner.
Role of fungi
1) Fungus are Decomposer in ecosystem.
2) It helps in Cycling of nutrients by breaking down organic and inorganic materials to simple molecules.
Application
Fungi are used in
1) food industry.
Ex- yeast is used in baking, brewing.
In Cheese and wine making also.
2) medicine industry.
Penicillin is the first made antibiotic.
It is made from penicillium notatum.( A fungi)
Also used in production of commercial enzyme.
Affinities with plants and animals
Eukarya domain have three multicellular group number
1) animals
2) plants
3) fungi
similarities between fungi and plants
- both have cell wall
Similarities between fungi and animal
1) same trophic level ie, heterotrophic
(both are dependent on external food sources for energy)
2)fungi and animal shares a molecule called chitin. Plant don't have chitin. It have cellulose.
3) Chitin molecule have modification that makes it stronger than cellulose.
Difference between fungi and animals
1)Animals are motile.
Fungi are non motile .
(they are not able to move independently)
Despite the differences animals and fungi are more closely related to each other than they are to plants.
Animal have more recent common ancestor with fungi then with plants.
All the best 😀
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