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.
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 Microorganisms, Mycorrhizae, Archaea.
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 Microorganisms, Mycorrhizae, Archaea, Fungal Pathogens. 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 Microorganisms?
Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms with chitin cell walls that absorb nutrients, including yeasts, moulds and mushrooms. Microorganisms: Living things too small to see without a microscope, including bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and microscopic algae. 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 Microorganisms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.