• The most common fungus every person has seen is the mushroom. They are part of Kingdom Fungi. The study of fungi is known as Mycology.

Features

• Fungi can be single-celled or very complex multicellular organisms.
• Many fungi are free-living in soil or water; others form parasitic or symbiotic relationships with plants or animals.
• Fungi are eukaryotic
• Fungi lack chlorophyll.

Importance for the living world

• Fungi are responsible for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients into the soil. So they help in removing waste.
• They help in many processes like making bread, wine, etc.
• Fungi like mushrooms are used as food.
• They are used in the manufacturing of antibiotics like penicillin.

How can it be harmful?

• A fungus called ergot or Claviceps causes ergotism in animals that consume contaminated grains. (The alkaloid extracted from ergot can be used to induce childbirth).

Source: The Hindu