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becomes the new organism. But
fungi do things very differently. In
fungi, two haploid cells fuse to two
other haploid cells, making four
haploid cells. This structure then
splits, producing an “adult”
organism that has haploid cells.
This is not something that is seen
in any other group of organisms.
Figure 14 – These yeast are used in the
production of wine.
Fungi are also important in the
Roles of Fungi production of some antibiotics,
including penicillin and the chitin in
Scientists have estimated that
there are 1.5 million species of cell walls has been said to have
fungi, and these organisms live all wound healing properties.
over. Most are found on land, Introduction to Protists
although some do live in water.
Some fungi can even live in If your kitchen is like most
deserts. No matter their kitchens, you probably have
environment, fungi act as cabinets for cups and pots and
decomposers. This means that pans, along with drawers for
the fungi break down materials to silverware and cooking utensils.
make their environment better for You might also have a drawer you
other organisms to grow. call the “junk drawer.” The things
in this drawer aren’t actually
Humans use fungi for many “junk.” If they were, you’d throw
purposes. One of the most them away. Instead, things
common uses is in food. usually get put here because they
Mushrooms are eaten by many just don’t fit anywhere else. You
people on pizza or in salads. But might be surprised to learn that
yeast is used in the fermentation the system for classifying
process to make beer, wine, and organisms has its own “junk
bread.
drawer.” It’s called the protist
kingdom. Its members, like the
contents of your kitchen junk
drawer, are important, but don’t fit
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