Context:
Over 1,000 species of fungi threatened with extinction: IUCN
Fungi:
- Eukaryotic organisms with membrane-bound organelles and clearly defined nuclei.
- Distinct Characteristics –
- Absence of Chlorophyll – Unlike plants, fungi lack chlorophyll.
- Cell Structure – Fungal cell walls contain chitin, whereas plant cell walls are made of cellulose.
- Nutrient Absorption – Fungi externally digest organic matter and then absorb it, unlike plants that synthesize their own food through photosynthesis.
- Lichen Mutualism – Lichens are composite organisms formed from a mutualistic relationship between a fungus and algae
- Significance –
- Decomposition – Fungi break down organic matter, enabling nutrient cycling.
- Symbiosis – Many fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, such as mycorrhizae, which help plants absorb nutrients more effectively.
- Synthetic Plastic Degradation – Certain fungi is capable of breaking down synthetic plastics, potentially aiding environmental sustainability.
- Food Industry – Essential in processes like fermentation and baking.
- Drug Production – Certain fungi produce chemicals like statins (used to manage cholesterol levels).
Source: DTE
Previous Year Question
With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
1. It is a fungus.
2. It grows in some Himalayan forest areas.
3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 3 is not correct. Gucchi mushroom grow wild in some regions of Himalaya.