Fungus

Contents

Key Stage 3

Meaning

A fungus can be a multicellular or unicellular organism that is neither plant nor animal.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

A fungus can be a multicellular or unicellular organism that contains a nucleus and mitochondria, is surrounded by a cell wall but does not contain any chloroplasts or a permanent vacuole.

About Fungus

Fungi can reproduce sexually and asexually.

Fungi reproduce by spreading spores.

The cell wall of fungal cells is made of chitin, rather than cellulose.

Some fungi you should be aware of:

• Yeast - Used in the production of bread and alcohol. However, some species cause infection in humans.
• Mushroom - The fruiting bodies of a larger fungus, most of which are poisonous, but some can be eaten.