Fungi

• fungi are all eukaryotic
• they can reproduce both sexually and asexually
• the study of fungi is known as mycology
• all fungi are heterotrophic - no autotrophic fungi and sodo not contain chlorophyll
• they have cell walls made of chitin (structural carbohydrate)
• they contain mycelium (lots of hyphae)
• as all fungi are heterotrophic they are either saprophytic are parasitic
• saprophytic fungi - feed off dead plants and animals and cause decay - mushrooms
• parasitic fungi - feed off plants - rusts and ringworm
• edible fungi - some are safe to eat like mushrooms
• poisonous fungi - destroying angle
• beneficial - yeast produce beer and wine and mould is used in the production of certain cheeses eg. blue cheese
• harmful - fungi can cause decay of crops and plant and animal diseases