What are fungi?

- Fungi are any group of spore-producing organism feeding on organic matter.

- They are neither a plant nor an animal.

Where can we find fungi?

- Fungi can be found throughout the earth including on land, water, air and even in plants.

Characteristics of Fungi

- They are eukaryotic

- They are unicellular or multicellular
- They are heterotrophs
- They do not have chlorophyll like plants
- They reproduce by forming spores

Importance of Fungi in our Life

1. FOOD

- They serve as food

MUSHROOM
- Other species of mushroom: oyster mushroom, shiitake mushroom, enoki mushroom and
taingang daga.
YEAST
- Yeast is used in making bread
MOLDS
- Can be found in some cheese
- In bread
- In rotten fruit

2. DECOMPOSITION

- They play a role in decomposition of organic matter.

- Examples are in decaying leaves and rotten fruits.

3. MEDICINE

- They serve as medicine.

- Fungi are used to kill bacteria that cause infections to human.

Penicillin

- Discovered by Alexander Fleming from black molds in garlic called penicillium notatum.

Harmful Fungi

Tinea Capitis – a species of fungus that can cause infections like ringworms and athlete’s foot.

Tagulamin – fungi that grows in damp areas when wet season.

 They grow on wet walls, clothes and wood ceilings.
Leaf Rust- yellow parts or dust like on leaves.
Corn smut – caused by pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis.
Toad stool – is inedible poisonous fungus
Molds – can also grow in leather shoes, bag and belt.
Vinegar – sour substance that is effective in removing against the molds.

How do we remove these molds?

- Using a moisten soft cloth with mixture of vinegar and water, wipe the surface of shoes, bags
and belt where the mold was located.