Fungi

A fungus is a eukaryotic organism and is part of a large kingdom of organisms that includes yeasts and molds. Fungi differ from bacteria and other microorganisms because of the main component of their cell walls, chitin. The division of biology devoted to the study of Fungi is known as mycology. Mushrooms are one of the most well known members of the fungi kingdom. Fungi have an integral role in the decomposition of organic matter and aid in nutrient recycling. Fungi are also responsible for fermenting wine, beer, and soy sauce. many species of fungi produce antibtiotics such as penicillin. This naturally occuring chemical has a narrow spectrum of biological activity however after slight modifications this drug has a broad spectrum of activity. The ability of Fungi to produce antibiotics has improved the quality of our lives and will continue to play an important role in anti-microbial drug research. Bel-Art, Axygen, and Greiner Bio-One all provide products used to research species of the kingdom Fungi.