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Informative video about the characteristics of fungi.

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Fungi have many features in common with plants. They often grow in soil and do not move from place to place. Fungi they lack the distinguishing features of plants such as stems, leaves, flowers or fruits. Fungi are also different from plants in the way they get their food. They do not make their food as plants do, but instead breakdown the remains of plants and animals. An organism that gets its energy in this way is called a decomposer.

Decomposers play an important role in an ecosystem by helping to recycle dead organisms into nutrients in the soil. Unlike plants, fungi do not produce seeds. Most fungi reproduce by releasing microscopic spores into the air. New fungi grow from the spores. Common types of fungi include mushrooms, bracket fungi, puff balls and molds.

Like bacteria, some fungi can be harmful to other organisms by causing infections and diseases. Fungi are also important to people. Mushrooms, for example, are an important source of food. Other types of fungi, such as yeast, are used in the production of different food. Penicillium is a type of mold that is used to
make penicillin.