Fungi

The Kingdom Fungi includes some of the most important organisms, both in terms of their ecological and economic roles. By breaking down dead organic material, they continue the cycle of nutrients through ecosystems. In addition, most vascular plants could not grow without the symbiotic fungi, or mycorrhizae, that inhabit their roots and supply essential nutrients. Other fungi provide numerous drugs (such as penicillin and other antibiotics), foods like mushrooms, truffles and morels, and the bubbles in bread, champagne, and beer.
Fungi also cause a number of plant and animal diseases: in humans, ringworm, athlete's foot, and several more serious diseases are caused by fungi. Because fungi are more chemically and genetically similar to animals than other organisms, this makes fungal diseases very difficult to treat. Plant diseases caused by fungi include rusts, smuts, and leaf, root, and stem rots, and may cause severe damage to crops. However, a number of fungi, in particular the yeasts, are important "model organisms" for studying problems in genetics and molecular biology.


                                                                                   


 How fungi reproduce?


Fungi reproduce by producing spores. These are tiny cells inside a protective coating, which grow into new Fungi. Some fungi can survive times when the weather turns hot and dry, by producing protective coatings for their spores.

 
Where do Fungi Live?
Fungi love damp areas. They can be found nearly everywhere, and you can find them springing up in woods, parks, gardens and mountain-tops.
Some fungi live tangled up amongst the roots of trees. You might also find them in places where you do not want to find them, like in your fruit bowl, turning oranges green and dusty, or in damp bathrooms growing on walls in black mouldy patches.

Fungi can causing desease!!

causing diseases, such as Dutch Elm Disease, or athletes foot in humans.

Important of Fungi


Fungi are important because they help to process dead plant and animal matter through decay. For example, fungi help turn a cow pat into soil.

Fungi are also the life-line for many plants. Lots of string-like fungi live tangled up with a plant's roots, and help to pass on nutrients. This benefits the plant as well as the fungus. This is known as a mycorrhizal association. It is a symbiotic relationship.
The fungus that produces penicillin is very important and has saved many lives, because it kills harmful bacteria.

Fungi are also used to make bread, blue cheeses and beer