How Do Fungi Differ From Plants?
Scientists classify living things into categories based on many criteria. Although there are alternatives, the six (or sometimes five) kingdom system is currently taught in most schools. Plants and fungi are both eukaryotic, meaning their generic material is contained within a nucleus in their cells. Plants and fungi each are assigned to their own kingdoms. Does this Spark an idea?
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Kingdom Plantae
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Kingdom Plantae contains organisms that have chlorophyll; possess cell walls; and, make their own food (carbon compounds) using photosynthesis. Plants also have a complex life cycle called the alternation of generations.
Kingdom Fungi
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Kingdom fungi contains organisms that grow filamentously or by budding, posses cell walls, obtain nutrients by absorption, contain no chlorophyll and reproduce by spores. Fungi do not have an alternation of generations life cycle.
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Plants Contain Chlorophyll
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A major distinction between plants and fungi is the existence of the green pigment chlorophyll in plants. Some fungi may be green, but they never contain chlorophyll.
Fungi Absorb Nutrients
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Fungi obtain food by releasing enzymes into the environment to break down organic molecules, which are then absorbed into the fungus. Plants make their own food using photosynthesis.
Fungi Produce Spores
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Spores are single cells that are dispersed for reproduction. Plants generally reproduce by seeds, which contain a multi-cellular embryo.
Fungi are Decomposers
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The principle ecological role of plants is as primary producers. They are food for other organisms. Fungi are decomposers that colonize and break down dead organic matter.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Plants and Fungi. (Photo by Michael Kensinger)
