Fungi (Yeasts & Molds)

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that include yeasts and molds. They are heterotrophic and aerobic with limited anaerobic capacities. Most fungi cells grow as filimentous structers, or hyphae and can be anamorphs or telemorphs. Fungi share many characteristics of plant, animals and bacteria but also exhibit characteristics of their own which uniquely seperates them from other kingdoms. They are extremely diverse and can be found anywhere from the desert to the deep sea. This “spirited” group includes approximately 120,000 species which play a very important role in the ecosystem as decomposers and symbionts but can also be pathogenic and parasidic.