Why Fungi Are Not Considered Plants: Key Differences Explained
Discover the biological reasons fungi are distinct from plants, including photosynthesis and cell wall composition.
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Fungi are not considered plants because they lack chlorophyll and therefore cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain nutrients through decomposition or as parasites. Additionally, fungal cell walls are composed of chitin rather than cellulose, which is found in plant cell walls. This biochemical difference distinguishes them significantly.
FAQs & Answers
- What are the main differences between fungi and plants? Fungi do not perform photosynthesis and have cell walls made of chitin, unlike plants that have cellulose.
- Why can't fungi perform photosynthesis? Fungi lack chlorophyll, the pigment necessary for photosynthesis, which plants use to convert sunlight into energy.
- How do fungi obtain nutrients? Fungi obtain nutrients primarily through decomposition of organic matter or as parasites on other organisms.
- What makes fungi unique in the ecosystem? Fungi play a crucial role as decomposers in ecosystems, breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients.