Mycology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of fungi. These organisms are eukaryotic, meaning they have a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes. Fungi are typically distinguished from plants by their lack of chlorophyll and ability to break down organic matter for food. Some examples of common fungi include yeast, mushrooms, mold, and truffles. Mycology also encompasses the study of plant diseases caused by fungi.
Fungi are found in nearly all habitats on Earth, from hot springs to polar regions. They play an important role in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Many species of fungi form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, such as mycorrhizal associations with plants or lichens. This mutualistic relationship benefits both partners; the fungus receives carbohydrates from theplant host, while the plant gets increased access to water and minerals from the soil thanks to the fungal network of hyphae (thread-like structures). Other fungi are parasitic, causing disease in plants or animals. still others are used commercially, such as those used in brewing beer or making bread rise.
Fungi were first classified as plants by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. However, they were later moved to their own kingdom—along with bacteria—by German biologist Ernst Haeckel in 1866. Today, there are an estimated 1 million fungal species worldwide (although only about 100 000 have been described), making them one of the most diverse groupsof organisms on Earth.