How do Fungi eat? A simplified version

How do Fungi eat?

 If you ask me what are fungi, I would say- they are eukaryotic, heterotrophic, non-photosynthetic organisms. Are you familiar with these terms?

One of my previous blogs were about bacteria. These are unicellular prokaryotes. So, prokaryotes does not have a nucleus in their cell while eukaryotes have proper nucleus and membrane bound organelles.

So, fungal cells have true nucleus. Generally fungi can be unicellular like yeast or multicellular like molds. There are microscopic fungi, as well as macroscopic ones. The fungal kingdom is so diverse in size, shape and appearance. 

So how do these wonderful creatures eat food? Let's get into topic proper.

How do yeasts eat?

Microscopy of Candida species

As mentioned above, yeasts are unicellular. They are round or oval cells which multiply by budding. To be precise, there are yeasts and yeast like fungi like Candida, morphologically. These single celled organisms secrete enzymes outside the cell, which will digest the complex starches outside and make them into simple sugars like glucose and fructose. These sugars are then transported across the cell wall and thus the fungi get their food.

The same process happens when pathogenic yeasts like Cryptococcus or Candida attack your body. They feed on the carbohydrates available in Gastrointestinal tract, blood or tissues. Most often fungi cause infections when your immunity is down- example, a person with uncontrolled Diabetes with elevated blood sugars. 

When a doctor notices systemic infections by fungi, a panel of tests will be done to evaluate your immune status and to eliminate immunodeficient states. 

How do Molds eat?

Aspergillus species- a type of mold grown on Petri dish

You must have noticed molds growing on a forgotten piece of expired bread, on a rotting fruit, an unproperly kept pickle, or even on damp walls. Some of them can even infect you. As mentioned before, these happen, when your immunity is down.

Similar to yeasts, molds also release digestive enzymes out of their cells, which will break down the complex organic matter to simple nutrients which can be easily absorbed, through their root network known as mycelia. 

How do mushrooms eat?

I think everyone is familiar with mushrooms. Even though larger, the nutrition of mushrooms happens by similar mechanism- relesae of enzymes to break down complex organic components, and absorption via their "roots". And they are mainly saprophytes, feeding on dead and decaying matter, contributing to the well being of the ecosystem.

Are there parasitic fungi?

There are a few anomalies in the Kingdom of Fungi. There are some killers hiding among the innocents. Yes, there are some fungi which derive nourishment from a living host- plants or insects and cause harm to them. The mildews and blight are caused by some fungal types in plants. 

Meanwhile the Cordyceps fungi hide a true sinister nature. The spores of this fungi, on landing on insect surface, will enter its body and starts growing from inside out of the insect. Once grown out, it will release more spores to conquer other non-suspecting insects- particularly ants. Terrifying, isn't it?

Are there symbionts among fungi?

The fungal kingdom also has some members who should be praised for their meritorious services. Lichens contain the fungal partners who live in perfect harmony with algae. Some fungi develop a barter system with plants through their mycelial network. 

Conclusion

The diversity among the fungi does not stop here. Their silent world is more dynamic than you can ever imagine. As much as they are friends of nature, be on the look out for fungal pathogens. There may come a time in future when fungi could cause a pandemic. Well, some of the sci-fi movies and series may agree with me.. don't you think so?

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