Why Are Fungi No Longer Classified as Plants?
Discover why fungi are distinct from plants, including structural and functional differences.
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Fungi are no longer considered plants because they differ fundamentally in structure and function. Unlike plants, fungi lack chlorophyll and do not photosynthesize. Instead, fungi obtain nutrients through absorption after decomposing organic matter. Additionally, their cell walls contain chitin rather than cellulose, which is found in plant cell walls. These biochemical and functional distinctions justify the classification of fungi in their own separate kingdom.
FAQs & Answers
- What are the key differences between fungi and plants? Fungi differ from plants in that they lack chlorophyll, do not photosynthesize, and have cell walls made of chitin instead of cellulose.
- How are fungi classified in biology? Fungi are classified in their own kingdom due to their unique biological and chemical characteristics, distinct from plants and animals.
- Why do fungi absorb nutrients differently than plants? Unlike plants that photosynthesize, fungi absorb nutrients by decomposing organic matter in their environment.