Fungi (original) (raw)
Last Updated : 5 Jan, 2026
Kingdom Fungi comprises a diverse group of eukaryotic, non-photosynthetic organisms that obtain their food by absorption. They lack chlorophyll and therefore cannot perform photosynthesis. Fungi are commonly found in moist and warm environments and include organisms such as mushrooms, moulds, and yeasts. They play a vital role in maintaining environmental balance and have wide applications in industry, medicine, and agriculture.
The diagram shows the asexual reproductive structure of fungi (such as _Rhizopus). The sporangium produces numerous spores, which are released into the air for dispersal. The hyphae and rhizoids help in the absorption of nutrients and anchorage to the substrate.
**Classification of Fungi
Based on their Spore formation and mode of Nutrition, fungi are broadly classified into the following groups:
**Based on Spore Formation
Fungi are characterised by the accompanying view of the development of spores:
**1. Zygomycetes
- A zygospore is formed by the fusion of two similar gametes.
- Asexual reproduction occurs by the formation of sporangiospores.
- Hyphae are generally aseptate (non-septate).
- Sexual spores are called zygospores.
- **Examples: _Rhizopus, _Mucor.
**2. Ascomycetes
- Ascomycetes are also called sac fungi.
- Hyphae are branched and septate.
- Asexual reproduction occurs by single-celled or multicelled conidia.
- Sexual spores are produced inside a sac-like structure called an ascus.
- Sexual spores are called ascospores.
- **Examples: _Saccharomyces, _Gibberella.
**3. Basidiomycetes
- Sexual spores are produced externally on a basidium.
- Sexual spores are called basidiospores.
- Members are commonly known as mushrooms.
- Hyphae are generally septate.
- Asexual reproduction occurs by fragmentation or budding; conidia formation is usually absent.
- **Examples: _Amanita, _Agaricus.
**4. Deuteromycetes
- No sexual stage is available, and they are otherwise called imperfect fungi.
- Asexual generation happens through conidia.
- A large portion of the human and creature microbes are available in this class.
- **Example: Candida, Cryptococcus, Trichophyton, Histoplasma.
**Based on the Mode of Nutrition
Based on the Mode of Nutrition, fungi can be arranged into 3 groups. They are:
**1. Symbiotic
- They acquire their nourishment and develop from other living organisms.
- This permits the shared advantage of the two life forms.
- E.g., lichens and mycorrhiza.
**2. Parasitic
- They get their sustenance from has, i.e., other living or dead organic entities.
- They hurt the hosts by causing infection conditions.
- The connection between the host and parasite is called parasitism.
- The parasites are of two sorts, in view of the area: Endoparasites and Ectoparasites.
- Endoparasites: They live inside the body of the host.
- Ectoparasite: They live on the outer layer of the host.
**3. Saprophytic
- They live and get their sustenance from dead natural matter.
- These are essential of two kinds, specifically: Ectophytic and Endophytic.
- Ectophytic Saprophytes: The organisms develop on a superficial level.
- Endophytic Saprophytes: The parasites develop inside the group of natural matter.
- E.g., Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, and so on.
**Characteristics of Fungi
Characteristics of Fungi are given below:
- Parasites are eukaryotic, non-vascular, non-motile, and heterotrophic organic entities.
- Organisms produce a compound called a pheromone, which prompts sexual propagation in growths.
- They might be unicellular or filamentous and are transmitted through spores.
- Organisms need chlorophyll and thus can't perform photosynthesis, and Fungi store their food as starch.
- The cores of the parasites are tiny. Biosynthesis of chitin happens in organisms.
- The organisms have no undeveloped stage. They create from the spores, and Fungi show the peculiarity of the rotation of age.
- The method of multiplication is sexual or agamic. A few organisms are parasitic and can taint the host.
**Reproduction of Fungi
Generation in growth is both by sexual and agamic means. The sexual method of multiplication is alluded to as teleomorph, and the abiogenetic method of propagation is alluded to as anamorph (asexual).
- **Abiogenetic propagation - This happens with the assistance of spores called conidia or zoospores, or sporangiospores.
- **Vegetative generation - This happens by sprouting, splitting, and fracturing.
- **Sexual generation - This happens by ascospores, basidiospores, and oospores.
The traditional method of sexual propagation isn't generally seen in the realm of Fungi. In certain organisms, the combination of two haploid hyphae doesn't bring about the development of a diploid cell.
In such cases, there seems to be a middle stage called the dikaryophase. This stage is trailed by the arrangement of diploid cells.
**Uses of Fungi
- **Reusing - They assume a significant part in reusing the dead and rotted matter.
- **Food decay - Fungi assume a significant part in decomposing natural material and are likewise responsible for significant deterioration and monetary losses of storing food.
- **Medicine - Numerous growths are utilised to deliver anti-microbial and to control diseases in people and animals. Penicillin antimicrobial, is obtained from a typical fungus called Penicillium.
- **Food - The mushroom species that are refined are edible and are utilised as food by people.
- **Biocontrol Agents - Fungi are engaged in taking advantage of bugs and other little worms, and help in controlling nuisances. Spores of organisms are utilised as a shower on crops.