John Miller
Fungi are a group of eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts, moulds, and mushrooms. They are traditionally considered heterotrophs, relying on other organisms for metabolism. Fungi grow from the tips of filaments (hyphae) and digest organic matter externally before absorbing it. They are neither plants nor animals but form their own kingdom. While mushrooms are a type of fungus, not all fungi are mushrooms. Mushrooms are fungi with a stem (stipe) and a cap (pileus), and they are the most easily recognised type of fungus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of Fungi | Any of about 144,000 known species of organisms of the kingdom Fungi, including yeasts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms |
| Definition of Mushroom | The conspicuous umbrella-shaped fruiting body (sporophore) of certain fungi, typically of the order Agaricales in the phylum Basidiomycota but also of some other groups |
| Difference between Fungi and Mushroom | All mushrooms are fungi, but not all fungi are mushrooms |
| Fungi Growth | Fungi grow from the tips of filaments (hyphae) that make up the bodies of the organisms (mycelia), and they digest organic matter externally before absorbing it into their mycelia |
| Fungi Classification | Fungi are eukaryotes, meaning that their cells have a nucleus where DNA is stored |
| Fungi Food | Fungi acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, typically by secreting digestive enzymes into their environment |
| Fungi and Plants | Fungi were historically included in the plant kingdom, but they lack chlorophyll and are structurally unique |
| Fungi and Animals | Fungi are more closely related to animals than they are to plants |
| Fungi and Spores | Nearly all fungi form and release spores as part of their life cycle. Spores are the main reproductive units, usually single cells, and may be produced through asexual or sexual reproduction |
| Fungi and Environment | Fungi are among the most widely distributed organisms on Earth and can be found in soil, water, or on living trees and rotting wood |
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What You'll Learn
Fungi are neither plants nor animals
Fungi are distinct from plants and animals, constituting their own kingdom. They are not plants because they lack chlorophyll and chloroplasts, and they are not animals because they are immobile and have rigid cell walls. The early taxonomists who classified mushrooms as plants were working without the context of evolution, instead classifying organisms by observable similarity.
The kingdom of Fungi includes yeasts, mildews, moulds, and mushrooms. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, meaning their cells contain membrane-bound organelles and clearly defined nuclei. They are traditionally considered heterotrophs, absorbing dissolved molecules to acquire their food. Fungi do not photosynthesize.
Fungal growth occurs through the extension of hyphal compartments and the expansion of large organs, such as mushroom stipes. Fungi grow from the tips of filaments (hyphae) that make up the bodies of the organisms (mycelia), and they digest organic matter externally before absorbing it. They are the principal decomposers in ecological systems.
Fungal fossils from the early Devonian period (416-359.2 million years ago) are abundant in the Rhynie chert, mostly as Zygomycota and Chytridiomycota. By the Late Carboniferous (318.1-299 million years ago), all modern classes of fungi were present. Fungi are among the most widely distributed organisms on Earth, and they play a significant role in both environmental and medical contexts.
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Fungi are eukaryotes
Fungi are a diverse group of organisms, including yeasts, mildews, moulds, and mushrooms. They are classified as eukaryotes, which means they belong to one of the traditional eukaryotic kingdoms, alongside Animalia, Plantae, and either Protista or Protozoa and Chromista. Fungi are structurally distinct from plants, bacteria, and some protists due to the presence of chitin in their cell walls.
Eukaryotic cells, including those of fungi, have a well-defined, membrane-bound nucleus, which distinguishes them from prokaryotic cells that lack this structure. The nucleus stores the cell's DNA, which is organised into linear bundles called chromosomes. Eukaryotic cells also possess a variety of internal membrane-bound structures called organelles and a cytoskeleton that defines the cell's organisation and shape.
Fungi are characterised by their mode of vegetative growth and nutrient intake. They grow from the tips of filaments (hyphae) that comprise the fungal body (mycelium) and externally digest organic matter before absorbing it. Fungi do not photosynthesize; instead, they acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, secreting digestive enzymes into their environment. This process is known as heterotrophy, a trait shared with animals.
Fungi play a crucial role in ecological systems as the principal decomposers. They exhibit a high degree of metabolic versatility, utilising a diverse range of organic substrates for growth, including simple compounds such as nitrate, ammonia, acetate, and ethanol. Fungi also contribute significantly to environmental and medical fields.
Fungi reproduce by forming and releasing spores, which are typically single cells. These spores can be produced through asexual or sexual reproduction and are vital for the dissemination and germination of new fungal individuals. The growth of fungi as multicellular structures, independently evolved from animals and plants, allows for the development of fruit bodies and biofilms, further enhancing their adaptability and survival capabilities.
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Fungi grow from the tips of filaments
Fungi are a group of eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts, mildews, moulds, and mushrooms. They are distinct from other living organisms by their modes of growth and nutrient intake.
The cylindrical, thread-like structures of hyphae are typically 2-10 μm in diameter and can grow to several centimetres in length. They grow at their tips (apices) and new hyphae are formed by the emergence of new tips along existing hyphae, a process called branching. Sometimes, growing hyphal tips fork, resulting in two parallel-growing hyphae. Hyphae can also fuse when they come into contact, a process called hyphal fusion or anastomosis. These processes lead to the development of a mycelium, an interconnected network of hyphae.
The growth of fungi as hyphae is critical for the development of fruit bodies for the dissemination of sexual spores and biofilms for substrate colonisation and intercellular communication. The stereotypical tip growth of filamentous fungi supports their lifestyles and functions. It relies on the polarised remodelling and expansion of a protective elastic cell wall (CW) driven by large cytoplasmic turgor pressure.
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Mushrooms are fungi with a stem and a cap
Mushrooms are a type of fungus, but not all fungi are mushrooms. Fungi are a distinct group of organisms that include yeasts, moulds, and mushrooms. They are classified as one of the traditional eukaryotic kingdoms, separate from plants, animals, bacteria, and some protists. Fungi have chitin in their cell walls, and they acquire their food by absorbing dissolved molecules, typically by secreting digestive enzymes into their surroundings. They do not photosynthesize and are the principal decomposers in ecological systems.
Mushrooms, specifically, are fungi with a stem (stipe) and a cap (pileus). They are the most easily recognised type of fungus, with their umbrella-like shape. The cap's underside is where spores are formed, and this surface is called the hymenial layer. The gills on the underside of the cap can be full-length or partial, and they may also fork into a Y-shape. These details are essential for identifying different mushroom species, as fungi can be incredibly diverse, and different species can look very similar.
The most commonly known mushrooms belong to the basidiocarps group of fungi, which also includes club-like structures called basidia that generate haploid basidiospores. Mushrooms are also classified under the order Agaricales in the phylum Basidiomycota, along with some other groups. Additionally, some fungi in the Ascomycota phylum, such as cup fungi, are considered mushrooms by laypeople due to their cup-like or dish-like fruiting structures.
Edible mushrooms, like truffles, are often labelled as such even though they may not resemble the typical mushroom shape with a stem and cap. These mushrooms are cholesterol-free and contain small amounts of essential amino acids and B vitamins. However, it is important to distinguish between edible and poisonous mushrooms, as poisoning by wild mushrooms is common and can be fatal.
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Fungi are the principal decomposers in ecological systems
Fungi are a group of eukaryotic organisms that include microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as mushrooms. They are distinct from plants, bacteria, and some protists due to the presence of chitin in their cell walls. Fungi are traditionally considered heterotrophs, relying on other organisms for carbon sources and secreting digestive enzymes into their environment to obtain food. This distinguishes them from all other living organisms in terms of growth and nutrient intake.
The ability of fungi to act as decomposers is due to their mode of nutrition, which involves external digestion before ingestion. They produce a variety of exoenzymes that break down large, insoluble molecules into smaller ones that can be absorbed by the fungal cells. This process is dependent on the presence of moisture in the environment. Fungi are also capable of forming complex structures, such as mushrooms, for the dissemination of spores and colonization.
Fungi play a vital role in releasing scarce yet biologically essential elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium, from decaying matter. They contribute to nutrient cycling and exchange in the environment, aiding the survival of species from other kingdoms. Fungi are important decomposers, especially in forest ecosystems, where they break down dead plant materials such as leaf litter and wood, as well as animal carcasses and wastes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all fungi form mushrooms. Mushrooms are fungi with a stem (stipe) and a cap. Other forms of fungi include yeasts, brackets, jellies, clubs, crusts, cups, corals, molds, rusts, smuts, and puffballs.
Some examples of mushrooms include the chanterelle, the horn-of-plenty mushroom, and the panther cap mushroom.
Some examples of fungi that are not mushrooms include yeasts, molds, and rusts.
Mushrooms grow from the tips of filaments (hyphae) that make up the bodies of the organisms (mycelia). They digest organic matter externally before absorbing it into their mycelia.
