Question

Write a short note on the importance of fungi.

Answer 1

Hint: They are saprophytic organisms that reproduce through spores.

Complete answer: Fungi are one of the most important groups of organisms on the planet in terms of population and ecological role.

They are important in many ways:
1. Food: Fungi are also important directly as sources of food for humans.
Many mushrooms (Agaricus) are edible and different species of it are cultivated for sale worldwide. They are also widely used in the manufacturing of many food products and drinks. These food products include cheeses, beer, and wine, bread, cakes, etc.
2. Medicines: Penicillin is the most famous of all the antibiotic drugs.
It is derived from a common fungus known as Penicillium.
Many other fungi also produce antibiotics, those of which are widely used to control the spread and intensity of diseases in the human and animal populations.
Some fungi are parasites in caterpillars that have also been used traditionally as medicines.
Certain chemical compounds isolated from various fungus are being studied for the potential treatments for certain types of cancer.
3. Biocontrol: Fungi such as the Chinese caterpillar fungus parasitize some species of arthropods. They can be extremely useful for controlling insects and other pests of different crops. The spores of these fungi are sprayed on the crop pests.
Spittlebugs, leafhoppers, and citrus rust mites are some of the other insects and pests that have been controlled using the spores of fungi. This is a cheaper method that is less damaging to the environment than using toxic chemical pesticides.

Note: Fungi also decompose the dead and decaying material on the forest floor or in agricultural fields. This is indirectly beneficial to humans.