Write the distinct characters of Fungi.

Explanation

The distinct characters of fungi are as follows:
1. They are predominantly multicellular (expect yeasts), eukaryotic and non-chlorophyllous organisms.
2. Nutrition is heteroptrophic and absorptive due to lack of chlorophyll. It may be saprophytic or parasitic.
3. Cell wall is present. it is generally composed of chitin. A few forms have cellulose also in their walls.
4. Fungi have a double-envelope cellular organization. Golgi complex is unicisternal in most fungi.
5. Fungi reproduce both by asexual and sexual methods. Sexual reproduction completes in three stages -(i) Plasmogamy (fusion of cytoplasm), (ii) Karyogamy (fusion of nuclei) and (ii) Meiosis.
6. Fungi are mainly the decomposers and mineralisers of the biosphere like the bacteria. They play an important role in nutrient cycling.