Kingdom Fungi

Multicellular fungi are made of thread-like structures called hyphae (singular hyphae) that form a mycelium. e.g. Saccharomyces cereviseae (bread yeast). Others include Penicillium, Rhizopus, and edible mushroom

Economic Importance of Fungi

Beneficial Effects of Fungi

1. Some fungi are used as food e.g. mushrooms.
2. Some are decomposers which enhance decay to improve soil fertility – recycling of nutrients e.g., toadstools.
3. Some are useful in brewing and bread making e.g., yeast. Yeast is used as food – a rich source of Vitamin B.
4. Some are useful in production of antibiotics e.g., Penicillium griseofulvin.
5. Used in sewage treatment e.g., Fusarium spp.

Harmful Effects of Fungi

1. Some cause food poisoning by producing toxic compounds e.g. Aspergillus flavus which produces aflatoxins.
2. Some cause food spoilage, fabric and wood spoilage through decomposition.
3. Some cause diseases to humans e.g., athlete’s foot and ringworms.
4. Others cause diseases to plants e.g., potato blight (Irish potatoes) rust in tomatoes and smuts in cereals.