what are fungi?
fungi can be single celled or very complex multicellular organisms. they are found in just about any habitat but most live on the land, mainly in soil or plant material rather than sea or fresh water. while a mushroom in the forest might look like a plant, fungi are in fact more closely related to animals than to plants, as they do not photosynthesise (converting sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to oxygen and sugar). instead, they live inside their food and secrete enzymes to break down nutrients they then absorb.
fungi are important parts of many processes. they break down decaying matter and yeasts play an important role in the production of bread and brewing. many plants rely on fungi to survive and herbivores such as cows rely on fungi in their gut to break down the grass they eat.
image: fungi candida which cause candidiasis istock/dr_microbe