Nature Awareness 5/10/2014 - Fungus A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are classified as a kingdom, Fungi, which is separate from plants, animals, and bacteria. One major difference is that fungal cells have cell walls that contain chitin, unlike the cell walls of plants, which contain cellulose. These and other differences show that the fungi form a single group of related organisms, named the Eumycota, that share a common ancestor. The discipline of biology devoted to the study of fungi is known as mycology, which is often regarded as a branch of botany, even though genetic studies have shown that fungi are actually more closely related to animals than to plants. Abundant worldwide, most fungi are inconspicuous because of the small size of their structures, and their cryptic lifestyles in soil, on dead matter, and as symbionts of plants, animals, or other fungi. They may become noticeable when fruiting, either as mushrooms or molds. Fungi perform an essential role in the decomposition of organic matter and have fundamental roles in nutrient cycling and exchange. They have long been used as a direct source of food, such as mushrooms and truffles, as a leavening agent for bread, and in fermentation of various food products, such as wine, beer, and soy sauce. Since these organisms are present world-wide, their cultural significance and interpretations are quite diverse. One of the most common legends is that of fairy rings in association with mushrooms forming in a circle. Thought to hold magic powers of enchantment and transportation, fairy rings are seen both as good omens and signs of change. In Egypt, fungi of all sorts have been associated with immortality due to the fact that only royalty could consume them... because, after all, royal persons were descended from the Egyptian gods themselves, according to beliefs. Hieroglyphs found in Egypt indicate that mushrooms and other fungi were consumed with meals as long as 4,500 years ago. Symbolism: magic, enchantment, change, transportation, cycling, immortality.
Posted on: Sat, 10 May 2014 12:46:03 +0000
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