Algae and Fungi are both living organisms but belong to different kingdoms of classification. Both of them are simple creatures and form the basis of their kingdom. Algae form the basis of the Kingdom Protista, and fungi form the basis for kingdom Mycota. Algae and Fungi differ from each other as Algae always needs to be in water or a water source nearby along with sunlight and chlorophyll to survive. But this does not apply to Fungi. Fungi feed on the dead and decayed matter and do not require sunlight and chlorophyll. Mushrooms can also be a variety of parasites, which are organisms that depend on the host for its survival.
An interesting fact about algae and fungi is that although there are significant differences between both algae and mildew, there are organisms that form a symbiotic relationship with algae and fungi. These are the hybrid versions of both these organisms called Lichens, that can produce their own by the process of photosynthesis. Also, they have the properties of fungi like shielding the plant from the sun's UV rays that help them to survive from the external environment.
Algae
Algae is a type of aquatic organism which can conduct photosynthesis. Examples of algae are the phytoplanktons, kelps, and the alga bloom that are seen in lakes. Phytoplanktons are the first organisms that produce almost 70% of the oxygen on earth. Hence, it is one of the leading microorganisms to continue the oxygen cycle. Also, eukaryotic algae reproduce by the help of sexual reproduction. They are dimorphic, hence, produce both male and female gametes that unite to form the zygote. But in the prokaryotic type, they produce motile spores that later divide by mitosis and grow into a new organism.
The Algae belong to the kingdom Protista. Algae is an umbrella term for many organisms that live in the water and which perform the function of photosynthesis. Most of the algae are found to be unicellular, but there also exist multicellular algae. They can be microscopic or macroscopic, in different shapes and sizes, and can also have a leafy appearance like in the case of Giant Kelp. They lack a vascular system that circulates nutrients throughout the organism, which is present in higher plants.
Algae can include both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. In prokaryotic organisms, there is a distinctive organism called cyanobacteria. The cyanobacteria are also known as blue-green algae. In the primitive era, during the formation of the earth, it is approximated that chloroplasts were only present in cyanobacteria. Plant organisms engulfed the cyanobacteria and thus photosynthesis was induced in the plants. Since then, plants perform the function of photosynthesis, and life could sustain on earth. But cyanobacteria are included in the kingdom monera as they do not have a well-defined nucleus.
Fungi
Fungi are organisms that were first thought to be a part of plants. But later, as technology developed, it was observed that these organisms did not require sunlight for their nutrition. They neither perform photosynthesis nor have distinctive features like other higher plants like angiosperms. There is a range of simple to complex varieties of organisms present in Fungi. Fungi include all bodies from simple unicellular to complex multicellular organisms.
Fungi are organisms that obtain their nutrition from degrading and breaking down dead and rotten plants. There are fungi like yeast which are single-celled bodies that are economically important as it is used in the food and beverage industries. Fungi like mushrooms are one of the favorite cuisines of many countries. Mushrooms can also be harmful, which can damage the cells in the organism due to the presence of toxins in mushrooms.
The multicellular fungi cells are joined together and form rows that resemble that of branches of trees. These branches are called hyphae and are of two types. If the cells are arranged right next to each other in a continuous row, then it is called coenocytic hyphae. If a cross wall separates the hyphae into compartments, then it is called septate hyphae. The fungi cannot perform photosynthesis on their own and produce food. They decompose the organic matter to derive their nutrition, and hence they are heterotrophs.
Difference Between Algae and Fungi
Conclusion
Algae are autotrophs that produce their own food; they are a central component of the ecosystem as they provide almost 70% of the oxygen. They are the primary producers of the ecosystem; most of aquatic organisms depend on them for their nutrients. They do not have developed roots, leaves, and shoot systems.
Fungi, on the other hand, are decomposers that gain their nutrition by breaking the dead and decayed organic matter. They have structures that resemble branches called hyphae, which are only present in multicellular organisms. They are also of ecological importance as the decomposition of dead matter cleans the environment and also provides nutrients for the soil to grow. And also of economic significance as yeasts are used in the food industry, and mushrooms are an essential cuisine for humans and animals.
FAQs on Difference Between Algae and Fungi
1. Why are the types of Algae?
Algae are photosynthetic organisms that can be both unicellular and multicellular organisms. Algaes exist in various types but 2 of them are-
Green Algae- Green Algae is a large, informal collection of algae having preliminary photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a and b, along with additional pigments like xanthophylls and beta carotene. More elevated organisms utilize green algae to perform photosynthesis for them while other species of green algae have a symbiotic connection with many organisms. For Example- Volvox, Spirogyra, etc.
Red Algae- Red Algae is an unusual species of algae found in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Red Algae is also called Rhodophyta. The pigments phycocyanin and phycoerythrin are the main reason for the distinctive red coloration of the algae. Other pigments that provide green coloration (like chlorophyll-a) are also present in Red Algae. It lacks chlorophyll-b or beta-carotene. Red algae are utilized as a rich source of food for thousands of years as they are high in minerals, vitamins, and a rich source of calcium. It also contains magnesium and some antioxidants.
2. How are fungi classified?
Fungi are classified depending upon the different modes. The different classifications of fungi are-
Based on the Mode of nutrition
Saprophytic– Saprophytic fungi fetch their nutrition by feeding on dead organic substances. For Example- Penicillium, Aspergillus, etc
Parasitic– Parasitic fungi receive their nutrition by living on other living organisms and soaking nutrients from their host. For Example- Taphrina, Puccinia, etc
Symbiotic– Symbiotic fungi survive by having an interdependent relationship with other species in which both have a mutual profit. For Example- Lichens, Mycorrhiza, etc
Based on Spore Formation
Zygomycetes– Zygomycetes are created by the fusion of 2 different cells. The sexual spores are called the zygospores while the asexual spores are called the sporangiospores.
Ascomycetes– Ascomycetes can be either coprophilous, decomposers, parasitic or saprophytic. Ascomycetes are also called sac fungi. The sexual spores are known as the ascospores. Asexual reproduction happens by conidiospores. For Example– Saccharomyces, etc
Basidiomycetes– In Basidiomycetes, sexual reproduction happens by basidiospores. Mushrooms are the most common basidiomycetes and mostly live as parasites. Asexual reproduction happens by budding, conidia, or fragmentation. For Example- Agaricus, etc
Deuteromycetes– Deuteromycetes do not reproduce sexually and asexual reproduction happens by conidia. Deuteromycetes are also called imperfect fungi as they do not obey the standard reproduction cycle like the other fungi. Example – Trichoderma, etc
3. What are some uses of Fungi and why is it important?
Fungi are eukaryotic creatures that comprise microorganisms such as yeasts, mushrooms, etc. These organisms are one of the most important groups of organisms on earth because they play a very crucial role in the biosphere. It also has great economic significance after an understanding of its benefits and harmful effects. Some of the important uses of Fungi are-
Food– Fungi have many essential vitamins and minerals in them. Mushrooms, which are a species of Fungi that are edible and are used as food by humans on a daily basis.
Medicines– There are numerous fungi that are used to produce antibiotics to manage diseases and infections in both humans and animals. For Example- Penicillin is one such antibiotic that is derived from a common fungus Penicillium which is of great use.
Recycling– Fungi plays a significant role in recycling dead and decayed matter.
Biocontrol Agents– Fungi are used in exploiting insects and other small worms in helping in managing pests. Spores of fungi are utilized as a spray on crops.
Food spoilage– Fungi also play a crucial role in recycling organic material and are accountable for significant spoilage and economic losses of reserved food.
4. What are some similarities between algae and fungi?
Algae is a diverse group of eukaryotic, photosynthetic organisms that can either be unicellular or multicellular. Fungi are eukaryotic, unicellular, non-motile, and heterotrophic organisms. There are many differences between Algae and Fungi but there are a few similarities as well. Some of the similarities between Algae and Fungi are-
Asexual reproduction by fragmentation happens in both the algae and fungi.
The vascular tissues are missing in both the algae and the fungi.
Fungi and Algae both have eukaryotic cells.
Reproductive organs lack a protective covering in both Algae and Fungi.
5. What is Algal Bloom?
An algal bloom is the overgrowth of very tiny algae or algae-like bacteria in fresh, brackish, and salt waters. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that state that they derive energy for their growth, directly from the sun. Leaning on the kind of algae or bacteria that cause it, an algal bloom may deliver bad-smelling froth, scum, foam, or a paint-like slick. Algal blooms can be in many colors, including blue-green, yellow, pink, brown, and red.
Not all algal blooms are toxic, but the study reveals that some of them are harmful to humans. A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is an algae bloom that creates toxins that are dangerous to human beings.
