GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrog - 2004

8. FUNGI

8.1. GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FUNGI

Fungi constitute a large, highly widespread, and unique group of heterotrophic organisms that lack chlorophyll. Currently, over 100,000 different species of fungi have been described. Fungi exhibit certain features characteristic of both animal and plant organisms.

Features shared with plants: presence of a Cell wall and vacuoles filled with cell sap; protoplasm mobility, clearly visible under a Microscope; lack of active locomotion; apical growth; and an absorptive or osmotrophic (uptake) mode of Nutrition rather than the zootrophic (ingestion) mode found in animals. Unlike plants, fungi lack Photosynthetic Pigments, meaning they are carbon heterotrophs.

Features shared with animals: heterotrophic carbon METABOLISM, presence of Glycogen (cellular reserve substrate), presence of Chitin in cell walls, and the production and accumulation of urea. The features characteristic of plants, animals, and fungi are summarized in Table 8.1.



Last update: 13/08/2026

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