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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Fungi and Fungus?

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The terms "fungi" and "fungus" are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two:

  • Fungi: This is the plural form of "fungus". Fungi is a term used to describe the entire kingdom of fungal organisms, which includes yeasts, rusts, smuts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms. There are approximately 144,000 known species of fungi. Fungi are among the most widely distributed organisms and play a crucial role in ecological systems as principal decomposers.
  • Fungus: This term refers to a single species within the kingdom of fungi. For example, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a fungus. Fungi can be saprophytic, parasitic, or mutualistic organisms.

Both fungi and fungus share common characteristics, such as growth from the tips of filaments (hyphae) that make up the bodies of the organisms (mycelia) and digestion of organic matter externally before absorption.

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  • What is the Difference Between Fungi and Fungus?
  • Comparative Table: Fungi vs Fungus

    • Comparative Table: Fungi vs Fungus

    Here is a table comparing the differences between fungi and fungus:

    Feature Fungi Fungus
    Definition Fungi are multicellular eukaryotic microorganisms that belong to the kingdom Fungi, including yeasts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms. Fungus is a term that refers to the whole group of about 144,000 known species of organisms of the kingdom Fungi, including yeasts, rusts, smuts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms.
    Cell Structure Fungi have filamentous structures called hyphae that form a network called mycelium. Fungi have filamentous structures called hyphae that form a network called mycelium.
    Nutrition Fungi are heterotrophic, which means they obtain nutrients from organic material in their environment. Fungi are heterotrophic, which means they obtain nutrients from organic material in their environment.
    Cell Wall Fungi have a cell wall made of chitin. Fungi have a cell wall made of chitin.
    Reproduction Fungi reproduce through spores, which can be asexual or sexual. Fungi reproduce through spores, which can be asexual or sexual.
    Habitat Many fungi are free-living in soil or water, while others form parasitic or symbiotic relationships with plants or animals. Many fungi are free-living in soil or water, while others form parasitic or symbiotic relationships with plants or animals.

    Note that the terms "fungi" and "fungus" are often used interchangeably, but the table highlights the differences in their usage. Fungi are the general term for the organisms belonging to the kingdom Fungi, while fungus is a specific term for a particular type of fungi.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.