Why Fungi Are Not Plants: Key Differences Explained
Discover why fungi differ from plants, including nutrition methods and cellular structures.
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Fungi aren't plants because they lack chlorophyll and do not undergo photosynthesis. Fungi absorb nutrients from organic matter, while plants produce their food through photosynthesis. Additionally, fungi have cell walls made of chitin, unlike the cellulose walls in plants.
FAQs & Answers
- What are the main differences between fungi and plants? Fungi lack chlorophyll, do not perform photosynthesis, absorb nutrients from organic matter, and have cell walls made of chitin instead of cellulose.
- Can fungi produce their own food? No, fungi cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis like plants; they derive nutrients from decomposing organic matter.
- What is chitin and how does it differ from cellulose? Chitin is a structural component in the cell walls of fungi, while cellulose is a polysaccharide that makes up the cell walls of plants.
- Why is photosynthesis important for plants? Photosynthesis allows plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy, producing oxygen and organic compounds that are essential for life.