Not a plant nor an animal, but
sharing characteristics of each
Includes molds, mildew, smuts,
yeast, mushrooms, puffballs
All are heterotrophs: must have
external food sources
They are
non-photosynthetic (lack chlorophyll)
Most are saprophytic (derive
nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter)
Exude enzymes
to digest organic materials into glucose, which is then
absorbed
Definitions for commonly used
terms:
Mold: A
term equivalent to a gardener’s use of the word
“weed” for a plant growing where it is not wanted.
Limited taxonomic significance, but accepted
vernacular (jargon).
Mildew:
Layperson’s term for fungi growing on
fabrics, window sills or bathroom surfaces. Used by
mycologists to refer to fungi that cause plant
disease (rusts and smuts).
Yeast: Single-celled
type of fungi; does not form mycelia (e.g., Saccharomyces
cerevisiae - baker's yeast or brewer's yeast)
