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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.
More on [ Fungus ]
A yeast infection is caused by a fungus of the yeast family known as Candida albicans. www.yeast-infection.info
yeastinfecinfo (Yeast Info) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:20:16 -0000
A yeast infection is caused by a fungus of the yeast family known as Candida albicans. www.yeast-infection.info
@OliM_Lok @kieronhughes although I guess I should give it some time. It might be like Fungus ?
mcdonaldtaf (Taf McDonald) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:51:13 -0000
@OliM_Lok @kieronhughes although I guess I should give it some time. It might be like Fungus ?
@MagusPrimeX Fungus beer.
Sword5 (Pat Mendonca) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:37:04 -0000
@MagusPrimeX Fungus beer.
@leyla_a it grows on you like a fungus ;-)
elvisofdallas (Elvis Dallas) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:32:20 -0000
@leyla_a it grows on you like a fungus ;-)
@MatthewGidley ears are reminiscent of fungus and vice versa...
NancyLouWright (Nancy Louise Wright) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:25:27 -0000
@MatthewGidley ears are reminiscent of fungus and vice versa...
Fungus Sliver: http://bit.ly/8UbZCi
tipo1 (Tipo1) Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:20:06 -0000
Fungus Sliver: http://bit.ly/8UbZCi
Doctor Fungus - Includes images and information, how fungi infect people, animals, and plants and how fungal infections are treated with antifungal drugs.
Meta Description: [ Images & info on fungi; How fungus infects people, animals, & plants; How fungal infections are treated with antifungal drugs ]
Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms - A short guide with diagrams of some poisonous and edible fungi.
Fun Facts About Fungi - Contains fact sheets with photos and fun activities for kids.
Fungus Kingdom - Types of fungus, diagrams, and basic biology.
Introduction to the Fungi - Brief introduction to this kingdom with links to further information.
Lichen Education: Biology and Symbiosis - Descriptions and photos of lichens.
Lichens of North America - Information about lichen biology, lichens and wildlife, and lichens and people.
Natural Perspective: Fungus Kingdom - An introduction to fungi and some of the divisions which make up this kingdom.
The Science of Yeast - Bread World Canada explains how yeast works.
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Treasures from the Kingdom of Fungi - Pictures of fungi taken all over the world. Organized by country or general region.
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