Eukaryotic: They have membrane-bound organelles and a defined nucleus, like animals and plants.
Heterotrophs: They cannot produce their own food and must acquire it from external sources, often by decomposing organic matter or living as parasites.
Cell Walls: Their cell walls are made of chitin, a complex carbohydrate different from plants' cell walls.
No Chlorophyll: Fungi lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize.
Growth:They grow through filaments called hyphae, which can form a network called a mycelium.
Reproduction: Fungi can reproduce sexually or asexually, often through spores.
Types of Fungi:
Mold:Multicellular fungi that form visible fuzzy structures, often on decaying organic matter.
Yeast:Unicellular fungi that can be found in bread, beer, and wine production.
Mushrooms:The fruiting bodies of certain fungi, typically with a cap and stem.
Ecological Roles:
Decomposers: Play a crucial role in breaking down dead organisms and returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
Pathogens: Some fungi cause diseases in plants, animals, and humans.
Symbionts: Can form beneficial relationships with other organisms, like mycorrhizae with plant roots.