What is Fungi?

10/22/11 Picture of Pearl Oysters Growing at home in Mushroom patches. Here right before first harvest after ten days of growth on 10/12/13

Fungi is one more member of the eukaryotic organisms which includes microorganisms like yeast and molds and what we know as mushrooms which is is the fleshy, spore bearing fruiting body of a fungus. 

These organisms are classified as a kingdom: Fungi; which is separate from plants, animals, protists and bacteria. One major difference is that fungal cells have cell walls that contain chitin,  substance not found in the cell walls of plants and some protists, they contain cellulose which contain  cellulose.

Because of these differences among others, fungi are considered a single group of related  organisms,  better known as  Eumycota  or Eumycetes, either name share a common ancestor and  are a monophyletic group. 

The discipline of biology for the study of fungi is  Mycology  which mistakenly frequently is considered  a branch of botany, even when it is a separate kingdom in biological taxonomy. 

Through Genetic studies  we now know that fungi are closer related to animals than they are  to plants.

Vocabulary 

Fungus. From the Latin fungus (mushroom), is derived from the Greek word sphongos or "sponge", which refers to the macroscopic structures and morphology of mushrooms and molds.

Mycology. From the Greek mykes (mushroom) and logos (discourse), denote the scientific study of fungi. Originated in 1836 with English naturalist Miles Joseph.

Eukaryote. An organism consisting of a cell or cells in which the genetic material is DNA in the form of chromosomes contained within a distinct nucleus. Eukaryotes include all living organisms other than the eubacteria and archaebacteria.

Chitin. A fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides and forming the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.

Monophyletic. (of a group of organisms) Descended from a common evolutionary ancestor or ancestral group, esp. one not shared with any other group.

10/22/11 Picture of  Shiitake  Growing at home in Mushroom patches. Here right  after ten days of started on 10/12/13