What is a fungus?
The Latin word for mushroom is fungus (plural fungi) and the study of fungi is called mycology. The Mycota or “fungi” are plant like organisms which lack chlorophyll and are devoid of such organized plant structure as stems, roots and leaves. They include yeasts, rusts, smuts, mildews, moulds and mushrooms, among others. Fungi are essential in the making of beer, wines and some types of cheese. They are also used in the production of a number of organic acids, enzymes, (biological catalysts) and vitamins; and are the sources of a number of antibiotics besides penicillin. Fungi such as some mushrooms, are also used as food. The “fungi” in Kombucha Tea is the yeast.
