What Are the Key Differences Between Fungi and Plants?
Discover the crucial differences between fungi and plants, including photosynthesis and cell structure.
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Fungi differ from plants in several key ways. Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis; they obtain nutrients by breaking down organic material. Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, whereas plants' cell walls contain cellulose. Additionally, fungi typically grow in filamentous structures called hyphae, which form a network known as mycelium.
FAQs & Answers
- Why can't fungi perform photosynthesis? Fungi lack chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis, so they rely on decomposing organic matter for nutrients.
- What is mycelium? Mycelium is a network of filamentous structures called hyphae that forms the vegetative part of fungi.
- How do fungi obtain nutrients? Fungi obtain nutrients through external digestion, breaking down organic materials in their environment.
- What are the main cell wall components in fungi? Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, which is different from plants that have cell walls composed of cellulose.