What are the distinctive features of kingdom fungi ?
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Apr 14
1. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
2. Fungi are heterotrophic, meaning they obtain their nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their environment. They do this through extracellular digestion, secreting enzymes to break down complex molecules into simpler forms that can be absorbed.
3. Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, a complex polysaccharide that provides structural support.
4. Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of specialized reproductive cells called gametes, while asexual reproduction involves the production of spores.
5. Fungi have a unique mode of growth called hyphal growth, where they form long, branching filaments called hyphae. These hyphae can grow and spread rapidly, allowing fungi to colonize new environments.
6. Fungi play a crucial role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment.
7. Fungi can form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, such as plants (mycorrhizae) and algae (lichens), providing mutual benefits to both partners.
8. Fungi exhibit a wide range of morphological diversity, with species ranging from microscopic molds to large mushrooms.
9. Fungi are classified into several phyla based on their reproductive structures and modes of reproduction, including Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota.