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A fungus (plural fungi) is a eukaryotic organism that digests its food externally and absorbs the nutrient molecules into its cells. Fungi are used extensively by humans: yeasts are responsible for fermentation of beer and bread, and mushroom farming is a large industry in many countries. Fungi are the primary decomposers of dead plant and animal matter in many ecosystems, and are commonly seen on old bread as mold. However, the complex biology of fungi extends beyond this common knowledge and experience of them.

Phylogeny of fungi


Fungi were originally classified as plants, however have since been seperated as they are heterotrophs. This means they do not fix their own carbon through photosynthesis, but use carbon fixed by other organisms for metabolism. Fungi are now thought to be more closely related to animals than to plants, and are placed with animals in the monophyletic group of opisthokonts. Fungi absorb their food while animals ingest it, and their cells have cell walls. For these reasons, these organisms are placed in their own kingdom, Fungi.

The Fungi are a monophyletic group, meaning all varieties of fungi come from a common ancestor. Mycologists believe they are monophyletic because they have chitin in their cell walls, they are absorbtive heterotrophs, along with other shared characteristics.

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@daniellecupcake right! please dont tell me u have H1N1 and then tell me to feel ur fever! get ur fungus outta my face
smichypoo (Michelle Soto) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:48:12 -0000
@daniellecupcake right! please dont tell me u have H1N1 and then tell me to feel ur fever! get ur fungus outta my face
@joshuahoward I collect spores, molds, and Fungus.
writerman34 (Clyne Miles) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:45:26 -0000
@joshuahoward I collect spores, molds, and Fungus.
RT @DrRobertOYoung "If you had no symptom-producing yeast and fungus, it would be impossible for you to have allergies." #Health #Alkaline
healthexercise (Health Exercise) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:44:54 -0000
RT @DrRobertOYoung "If you had no symptom-producing yeast and fungus, it would be impossible for you to have allergies." #Health #Alkaline
@LVGrkGrl another benefit of emailing tweets is privacy. So if u don't want anyone knowing you plan2 checkout "how to rid foot fungus"...
MOB514 (Michele of Bethlehem) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:41:59 -0000
@LVGrkGrl another benefit of emailing tweets is privacy. So if u don't want anyone knowing you plan2 checkout "how to rid foot fungus"...
What in the world is a Black Fungus Drink? Sounds nasty.
blimeychrissy (chrissy lily abadee) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:38:46 -0000
What in the world is a Black Fungus Drink? Sounds nasty.
RT @Ithili RT @PattyHankins: Fungus on a tree stump http://twitpic.com/oek4e #photo ~beautiful fungus
TiffenDfx (TiffenDfx) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:36:26 -0000
RT @Ithili RT @PattyHankins: Fungus on a tree stump http://twitpic.com/oek4e #photo ~beautiful fungus

 
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Meta Description: [ Images & info on fungi; How fungus infects people, animals, & plants; How fungal infections are treated with antifungal drugs ]

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