Kingdom fungi - Info sheet

The kingdom of fungi is a fascinating category in the biological classification system, which also includes animals, plants, monera, and protista. Fungi encompass a variety of organisms, some of which are microscopic and single-celled, such as yeast. Yeast is a crucial ingredient in bread-making; it is added to dough to facilitate rising. A striking image by Shoko Muraguchi shows yeast magnified 600 times, revealing details invisible to the naked eye. This visual aid helps to illustrate the intricate nature of these tiny, yet significant members of the fungal kingdom.

Another type of fungi is mould, which is multi-cellular and often found growing on decaying food. Mould is not just a sign of spoilage but also a source of beneficial substances. For instance, the antibiotic penicillin, which is instrumental in fighting bacterial infections, is derived from mould. On the other hand, mushrooms represent a different facet of the fungal kingdom. Although they may appear plant-like, mushrooms do not produce their own food through photosynthesis. They start from microscopic filaments and grow to a size that can be observed without magnification. These diverse forms of fungi demonstrate the complexity and variety within this kingdom, which is an integral part of the broader classification of living organisms.