fungi


fungi... where do I begin... In the past wrongly considered as plants, fungi describe an own kingdom, which is separate from plants, animals and bacteria. The fungus is a member of a large group of organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeast and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. Most fungi grow as hyphae and this fungal mycelium (vegetative part of the fungus) comes visible for the naked eye as molds, colonies or as fruiting body (a specialized structure important in the sexual reproduction), that is mostly misinterpreted as the fungus itself.
They occur in every environment and play a very important role in every ecosystem. Along with bacteria, fungi are the major 
decomposer in most terrestrial and some aquatic ecosystems, and therefore play a critical role in nutrient cycling. Symbiosis between plants and fungi is of significant importance for plant growth and persistence; over 90% of all plants species engage in relationships with fungi and are dependent upon this relationship for survival. Lichens are formed by the symbiotic relationship with algae or cyanobacteria. Also insects engage in mutualistic relationships with fungi. Of course fungi can also be pathogens and parasites, but they are also widely used from us for many purposes: drugs (as medicine and narcotic), fermentation, directly as food, bioremediation, pest control and also to produce industrial chemicals and enzymes…
I don’t have a microscope with an integrated camera, so I posted a short extract of visible lichens and fruiting bodies…
 




















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