The kingdom of fungi

The fungal kingdom includes all the organisms that are commonly known as fungi (a large group of multi-cellular organisms that also includes edible mushrooms), yeast (unicellular organisms responsible for fermentation) and mildews (organisms of microscopic size, such as the green-coloured Penicillium). This kingdom is composed of heterotrophic organisms, because they feed themselves by absorbing organic matter from the environment. Fungi produce molecules, the so-called digestive enzymes, which are used to degrade the organic matter so that it can be absorbed.
Fungi are mainly multi-cellular organisms composed of masses of threads and living virtually anywhere. A group of fungi, commonly known as yeast, includes unicellular organisms, such as, for instance, Saccaromyces cerevisiae.
Some fungi are parasites of animals, plants, protista and even of other fungi, while others are saprobic (they live by decomposing dead organic matter) and are essential for the degradation of the matter. Some species have developed complex symbioses with photosynthetic organisms, as in mycorrhizas or lichens.

 
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Facts

  • Decomposing organisms

    The ability to destroy organic matter has been used by man...

    Bread and cheese, wine or beer

    Yeast is used to make wine, beer and bread. When mixed with the bread dough...

    Let’s eat!

    The economic importance of fungi is increased by the “edible” mushrooms...

  • Predator mushroom

    <em>Pleutrotus ostreatus</em> mushroom does not have teeth or claws but it is...

    Who lives well with low oxygen?

    <i><span style="font-style: normal; " class="Apple-style-span"><i><em>Aquandriella fermentas</em> </i>lives in stagnant waters and can stand complete anaerobiosis...</span></i>

    Responsible for fish-plagues

    <em>Sporolegnia parasitica</em> is widely present in estuaries and fish tanks and that...

  • Bacteria as detergents

    Enzymes are proteins produced by the cells of all living organisms...

    Bacteria as miners

    The ability of chemoautotrophic bacteria to take energy from...

    Watch out for aliens!

    Italy has some new inhabitants, but that is no cause for celebration: the list of alien species is long. Two…

  • 13 May 2011

    Decomposing organisms

    The ability to destroy organic matter has been used by man...

    Bread and cheese, wine or beer

    Yeast is used to make wine, beer and bread. When mixed with the bread dough...

  • Let’s eat!

    The economic importance of fungi is increased by the “edible” mushrooms...

    Predator mushroom

    <em>Pleutrotus ostreatus</em> mushroom does not have teeth or claws but it is...

  • Who lives well with low oxygen?

    <i><span style="font-style: normal; " class="Apple-style-span"><i><em>Aquandriella fermentas</em> </i>lives in stagnant waters and can stand complete anaerobiosis...</span></i>

    Responsible for fish-plagues

    <em>Sporolegnia parasitica</em> is widely present in estuaries and fish tanks and that...