Unit 6: Fungi
Mycology, or the study of fungi, focuses on a diverse set of eukaryotic organisms that range from microscopic single-cells to large mushrooms. Fungi include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They are decomposers that have chitin in their cell walls. Fungi range from harmless, tasty mushrooms to fatally poisonous toxins. Humans have cultivated fungi not only for food but also for pest control and bioremediation. Penicillin, the first common antibiotic, was derived from the Penicillium mold. Even today, many newly discovered antibiotics have ties to fungi. In this unit, we will look at both those fungi commonly associated with disease as well those that have been cultivated for specialized purposes.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 12 hours.