Fungi
Part 1
Difference Between Fungi and Plants
Both fungi and plants were considered to be of the same group of living things till recently. However, they are now categorized under different groups. Plants and fungi make up two of the five groups that comprise the kingdom of living things on earth. The identification of these differences between the two is a comparatively recent phenomenon. The only way that this was discovered was when the microscope was used, because you wouldn't be able to see this discovery with a naked-eye.
The difference
The most important difference between plants and fungi is that plants can make their own food, while fungi cannot. As you know, plants use carbon dioxide, sunlight and water to create their own food. This process is known as photosynthesis. Fungi, on the other hand are incapable of making their own food. They usually eat off their host as parasites or decompose matter and take it as their food. This is the most important difference you need to remember about plants and fungi.
Fungi Facts
- Fungi is not a plant
- Does not make its own food
- They get their food from tree roots
- They give nutrients and water to trees
- Fungi grows on trees and dead things
- Fungi can reproduce over dead items such as plants, animals, and even humans
Plant Facts
- Plants have chlorophyll and photosynthesize
- Plants have roots, leaves, and stems
- Plant cell walls are polysaccharide cellulose
- They carry out respiration
While both plants and fungi have cell walls, the cell walls in plants are made of cellulose. Fungus, such as mushrooms, yeast, and mold, are eukaryotic, non-motile organisms that are heterotrophic, which means that they must take in nutrients for energy. They have cell walls made of chitin.
Uses of Fungi
- As a food source, i.e. mushrooms
- Produce biological compounds, e.g. alcohol, plant growth regulators and enzymes
- Produce antibiotics , e.g. penicillin
- Controls haemorrhage after birth
- Controls cholesterol levels
- For fermentation processes, e.g. yeast.
Uses of Plants
- Plants are home to many animals
- It is used in food chains as the producer
- Plants have the ability to produce oxygen during the day time by the process of Photosynthesis
- Plants can be used as a way to prevent soil erosion
- Plants can also supply us with fruits
- By planting plants and afterwards selling them can bring some profit to someone
- Plants can be used as medicines
Fungi: Death Becomes Them - CrashCourse Biology #39