Fungi (singular: fungus) are a kingdom of usually multicellular
eukaryotic organisms that are heterotrophs (cannot make their
own food) and have important roles in nutrient cycling in an ecosystem. Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually, and they also have symbiotic associations with plants and bacteria.
Algae. Algae (singular: alga) are plants or plantlike organisms
that contain chlorophyll (pronounced KLOR-uh-fill) and other pigments (coloring matter) that trap light from the Sun. This light energy is then converted into food molecules in a process called photosynthesis.
Protists are eukaryotic organisms that cannot be classified as a
plant, animal, or fungus. They are mostly unicellular, but some, like algae, are multicellular. Kelp, or 'seaweed,' is a large multicellular protist that provides food, shelter, and oxygen for numerous underwater ecosystems.
Bacteria are microscopic living organisms,
usually one-celled, that can be found everywhere. They can be dangerous, such as when they cause infection, or beneficial, as in the process of fermentation (such as in wine) and that of decomposition.