Chapter 4

Fungus

|Chapter 4: What are fungi and protozoa? How can they affect you?|

Fungi are neither plants or animals but they are alive. They are in their own class of organisms. We see them out in nature and in our homes if the conditions are right for them to grow. Protozoa are single cell organisms known as parasites. Parasites are organisms that live off the animal or plant (the host) they live in. By drawing nutrients (think food) from the host, they hurt the host which becomes weaker making it possible for other illnesses to occur. Just like bacteria, the protozoa enter the body through the air, food and water.

We find fungi in moist places often in the form of mildew on the walls or clothing. It can be found in the form of mold growing on food that has been left out too long. When we walk in the forest, we can find fungi in the form of mushrooms growing on logs. Fungi works as a decomposer helping to break down fallen branches, leaves, and other organic matter. Much of our soil comes from the decomposers hard work!

While eating rotten food with mold or eating some forms of mushrooms can make us sick, there are a few ways that fungi are good for us. Have you heard of roquefort salad dressing or blue cheese? Both come from a special fungus that is used in the cheesemaking process.

There are definitely good mushrooms that are delicious to eat. One form of fungus is called Penicillium which can be made into what we call antibiotics (hover for definition). Companies that make medicines make several types of antibiotic medicines with the most well-known being penicillin. When you get an infection caused by bacteria, your doctor has your parents purchase antibiotics from the pharmacy for you to take over many days.

Let's go to Chapter 5

Image Source