Dictionary
the taxonomic kingdom including yeast, molds, smuts, mushrooms, and toadstools distinct from the green plants
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Wikipedia
lightblue name = Fungi caption = ''Orange saprotrophic fungus''. lightblue EukaryoteEukaryota Fungi
Carolus LinnaeusL. date = 1753 Taxobox_end_placement lightblue plural_taxon = Divisions !Chytridiomycota
Zygo mycota
Glomeromycota
Ascomycota
fungus (plural fungi) is a Eukaryoteeukaryotic organism that digests its food externally and absorbs the nutrient Moleculemolecules into its cells. Originally classified as plants, fungi are not true plants because they are heterotrophs (they do not produce their own food through photosynthesis). Fungi are more closely related to animals, but unlike animals they are saprotrophsaprotrophic (they absorb their food rather than ingest it) and their cells have cell walls surrounding them. For these reasons, these organisms are now placed in their own kingdom (biology)kingdom, Fungi.
Overview - Although often inconspicuous, fungi occur in every environment on earth and play very important roles in most ecosystems. Some fungi are major decomposers of dead plant and animal matter in forests and many other environments. Some types of fungi are parasites on plants and animals, including humans. They are responsible for numerous diseases, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm in humans and Dutch elm disease in plants. Other fungi are partners in symbiosissymbiotic relationships with other organisms. For example, lichens are formed by a symbiotic relationship between algae or cyanobacteria and fungi. Most vascular plants benefit from a symbiosis between their roots and fungi.Fungi have a long history of use by humans. Many types of mushrooms and other fungi are eaten, including button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms. Of course, many species of mushrooms are poisonous and are responsible for a numerous cases of sickness and death every year. A type of fungus called yeast is used in baking bread and fermenting alcoholic beverages. Fungi are also used to produce industrial chemicals like lactic acid, and even to make stonewashed jeans! Some types of fungi are ingested for their hallucinogenic drughallucinogenic properties, both recreational drugrecreationally and religiously (as entheogens).
Types of Fungi - The major groups of fungi are mainly classified based on their reproductionreproductive structures, such as the types of spores they produce. Currently, there are five Division (biology)divisions (or phylumphyla recognized by mycologymycologists (scientists who study fungi): The Chytridiomycota are commonly known as chytrids. These fungi produce zoospores that are capable of moving on their own through the use of flagella. The Zygomycota are known as zygomycetes and produce sexual reproductionsexual spores called zygospores. Black bread mold is a common species that belongs to this group. Members of the Glomeromycota are also known as the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Only one species has been observed forming zygospores, but all other species only reproduce asexual reproductionasexually. The Ascomycota, commonly known as sac fungi or ascomycetes, produce spores called ascospores, which are enclosed in a special sac-like structure called an ascus. This division includes morelmorel mushrooms and truffles, as well as single-celled yeasts and many species that have only been observed undergoing asexual reproduction. Members of the Basidiomycota, commonly known as the club fungi or basidiomycetes, produce spores called basidiospores on club-like stalks called basidiumbasidia. Most mushrooms belong to this group.Although the water molds and slime molds have traditionally been placed in kingdom Fungi and are still studied by mycologists, they are not true fungi. Unlike true fungi, the water molds and slime molds do not have cell walls made of chitin. They are currently placed in kingdom Protista.
Structure - Fungi may be single-celled or multicellular. Multicellular fungi are composed networks of long hollow tubes called hyphae. The hyphae often aggregate in a dense network known as mycelium. The mycelium grows through the substrate on which the fungus feeds. Because fungi are imbedded in the medium in which they grow, they are often not visible to the naked eye.Although fungi lack true organs, the mycelia of ascomycetes and basidiomycetes may become organized into more complex reproductive structures called fruiting bodyfruiting bodies, or sporocarps, when conditions are right. "Mushroom" is the common name given to the above-ground fruiting bodies of many fungal species. Although these above-ground structures are the most conspicuous to humans, they make up only a small portion of the entire fungal body.The largest organism in the world is purported to be a single ''Armillaria ostoyae'' individual growing in a forest in eastern Oregon, USA. The underground mycelial network may cover as much as 890 hectareha (2200 acres).
Reproduction - Fungi may reproduce sexually or asexually. In asexual reproduction, the offspring are genetically identical to the “parent” organism. During sexual reproduction, a mixing of genegenetic material occurs so that the offspring exhibit traits of both parents. Many species can use both strategies at different times, while others are apparently strictly sexual or strictly asexual.Yeasts and other unicellular fungi can reproduce simply by budding, or “pinching off” a new cell. Many multicellular species produce a variety of different asexual spores that are easily dispersed and resistant to harsh environmental conditions. When the conditions are right, these spores will germinationgerminate and colonize new habitats.Sexual reproduction in fungi is somewhat different from that of animals or plants.
Edible and Poisonous Fungi - Some of the most well-known types of fungi are the Edible mushroomedible and Mushroom poisoningpoisonous mushrooms. Many species are commercially raised, but others must be harvested from the wild. Button mushrooms (''Agaricus bisporus'') are the most commonly eaten species, used in salads, soups, and many other dishes. Portobello mushrooms are also members of this species, but grow to a much larger size. Other commercially-grown mushrooms that have gained in popularity in the West and are often available fresh in grocery stores include oyster mushrooms, shiitakes, and enoki mushrooms. There are many more mushroom species that are Mushroom huntingharvested from the wild for personal consumption or commercial sale. Morels, chanterelles, truffles, Craterellusblack trumpets, and porcini mushrooms (also known as king boletes) all command a high price on the market. They are often used in gourmet dishes.Hundreds of mushroom species are toxic to humans, causing anything from upset stomachs to hallucinations to death. Some of the most deadly belong to the genus ''Amanita'', including ''Amanita virosaA. virosa'' (the "Destroying Angel") and ''Amanita phalloidesA. phalloides'' (the "Death Cap"). Stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea usually occur within 6-24 hours after ingestion of these mushrooms, followed by a brief period of remission (usually 1-2 days). Patients often fail to present themselves for treatment at this time, assuming that they have recovered. However, within 2-4 weeks liver and kidney failure leads to death if untreated. There is no antidote for the toxins in these mushrooms, but kidney dialysis and administration of corticosteroids may help. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary (Kaminstein 2002). Fly agaric mushrooms (''A. muscaria'') are also responsible for a large number of poisonings, but these cases rarely result in death. The most common symptoms are nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, and hallucinations. In fact, this species is used ritually and recreationally for its hallucinogenic properties.
References - healthatoz.com - Kaminstein, D. 2002. "Mushroom poisoning". Last accessed 9 November 2005.
External links - britmycolsoc.org.uk - British Mycological Society mycolog.com - ''The Fifth Kingdom'' msafungi.org - Mycological Society of America mykoweb.com - MykoWeb namyco.org - North American Mycological SocietyCategory:Fungi!*Category:MycologyCategory:Cry ptogamsast:Fungibg:Гъбиbn: ব্যাঙের? ছাতাca:Fongcy:Ffwng da:Svampe !de:Pilzeeo:Fungoes:Fungiet:See nedfi:Sienetfr:Champignonfr:My cotaga:Fungashe:פטריותhu :Gombait:Fungija:菌類ko:균 la:Fungilb:Pilzeräichlt:Gry bų? !karalystėnds:Poggenstöhlnl:S chimmelsno:Sopperpl:Grzybypt:F ungossv:Svamparta:பூஞ் சைகள்th:เห็ด ราtr:Mantarwa:Tchampionzh: 真菌 DEBUG REDIRECT (fungus)
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