|
Fungi are eukaryotes -- organisms whose cells have a ___1___
nucleus containing the cell's genetic material ( DNA ) ,
surrounded by a special envelope called the nuclear
membrane. Organisms in the Kingdom Fungi may be
unicellular or multicellular. Large multicellular fungi,
such as mushrooms, may look rather like plants, but they
are unable to perform photosysthesis, as most plants
can. True fungi have cells walls composed ___2___
of a substance called chitin. The unicellular forms of
fungi, yeasts, are oval micro-organisms that are larger
than bacteria. The most typical fungi are moulds. Moulds
form noticeable masses called mycelia, which are compose
of long filaments that branch and intertwine. The
cottony growths occasionally found on bread and fruit
are mould mycelia.
Fungi can reproduce sexually or asexually. They
obtain ___3___ by
absorbing solutions of organic material from their
environment -- whether soil, seawater, fresh water, or
an animal or plant host.
The Kingdom Fungi includes organisms that are
extremely important both in terms of their ecological
and economic roles. By breaking down dead organic
material, they continue the ___4___
of nutrients through ecosystems. In addition, most
vascular plants cannot grow without the symbiotic fungi
that ___5___their
roots and supply essential nutrients. Other fungi
provide drugs like penicillin and antibiotics, foods
like mushrooms and truffles, and the bubbles in bread,
champagne, and beer. However, fungi also are the reason
behind a number of plant and animal diseases. In human,
ringworm and athlete's foot are serious diseases caused
by fungi. |
