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.
References
AQA
- Fungi, page 125, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
- Fungi, page 131, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
- Fungi, pages 46, 47, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Fungi, pages 88, 200, 230, 309, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA