What are some differences between animal plant and fungal fungi cells?

R.H.Whittaker classified organisms based on several characteristics. Cellular organization, reproduction, phylogeny, mode of nutrition, etc. are taken into account. Thus, plants and fungi are classified under separate kingdoms.

Plants

Plants are multicellular, eukaryotic autotrophs with a rigid cell wall. They have different parts for support, anchorage and photosynthesis. They have photosynthetic pigment called chlorophyll, and can make their own food. Thus, they are considered as primary producers in an ecosystem.

Fungi

Fungi are also eukaryotes. They include both microscopic (yeast) and macroscopic (mushrooms) organisms. Most fungi are filamentous structures. They have long thread-like hyphae, which form a network called mycelium.

They lack chlorophyll and show a heterotrophic mode of nutrition. They have a vital role in the ecosystem as decomposers. Spores help in the reproduction of fungi.

Extended Reading: Kingdom Fungi

Difference between Plants and Fungi

Plants

Fungi

Plants are autotrophic eukaryotes.Fungi are heterotrophic eukaryotes.They are producers in a food chain.They are decomposers in a food chain.Their cell wall is made of cellulose.Their cell wall is made of chitin.The food is usually stored as starch.The food is stored as glycogen.Plants have chlorophyll.Fungi do not have chlorophyll.Most of the plants have roots, leaves and stems.The fungal body includes hyphae (they interconnect to form mycelium).Sexual reproduction – Fusion of male and female gametes happen to produce offspring.

Asexual reproduction – The two major types are apomixis and vegetative propagation.

Sexual reproduction – The cytoplasm and nucleus of the two-parent cells fuse to form a gamete. They undergo meiosis to produce spores.

Asexual reproduction – This happens through spores, budding or fragmentation.

Plant kingdom classification includes – Thallophyta, Pteridophyta, Bryophyta, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.Kingdom fungi includes – Ascomycetes, Zygomycetes, Basidiomycetes, Deuteromycetes.Examples – Coconut tree, Rose plant, etc.Examples – Molds, Mushrooms, etc.

Also Read: Differences between Fungi and Algae

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mycology?

The study of fungi is termed mycology. The fungi are eukaryotes that include yeast and mushrooms. The structure and properties of fungi, along with their relationship with other organisms, are explored in mycology.

What are the similarities between plants and fungi?

Both fungi and plants are eukaryotes. They do not show any movement or locomotion. Also, both plants and fungi have membrane-bound nuclei.

Do fungi have chloroplast?

No, fungi do not have chloroplast as well as chlorophyll. They are heterotrophic organisms. Their mode of nutrition can be symbiotic, parasitic or saprophytic. Fungi produce enzymes to break complex organic food into its simpler forms.

What are cryptogams and phanerogams?

Cryptogams and phanerogams are classifications under the plant kingdom. Cryptogams include non-flowering plants such as bryophytes, thallophytes and pteridophytes. Phanerogams include flowering plants like angiosperms and non-flowering plants like gymnosperms.

Fungi and Animalia are two of the five kingdoms of living organisms. Fungi were initially classified as plants as they could not move like animals. However, Moore gave the name Fungi to the kingdom. Fungi and animals are believed to be closely related. Besides several similarities, they also have a few differences. Although both possess cell membranes, the latter lacks a cell wall. Moreover, animals show motility whereas fungi lack it. Let’s tell you more about the differences between fungi and animals in detail.

Table of Contents

Comparison Table
What are Fungi?
- Zygomycota
- Basidiomycota
- Ascomycota
- Deuteromycota
What are Animals?
- Mammals
- Reptiles
- Amphibians
- Fish
- Birds
- Insects
Similarities Between Fungi and Animals
Difference Between Fungi and Animals
- Definition
- Kingdom
- Types
- Structure
- Food Chain Placement
- Mobility
- Cell Wall
- Digestion
- Parasitic Activity
- Reproduction
- Life Cycle
- Dikaryotic Phase
- Examples
The Bottom Line

Comparison Table

CharacteristicsFungiAnimalsDefinitionSpore-producing organismsMulticellular
locomotory organismsKingdomFungiAnimaliaTypes4 types5 typesStructureHyphae inside
the cell wallOrgans and organ systemsOther NamesDecomposersConsumersMobilityAbsentPresentCell WallChitinAbsentParasitic ActivityPresentAbsentReproductionAsexual and sexualSexualLife CycleDominant haploidDominant diploidDikaryotic PhasePresentAbsentExamplesYeasts and mushroomsHumans, crows, and lions

What are Fungi?

Contrary to the initial classification, fungi are not autotrophs, but heterotrophs. These eukaryotic organisms lack mobility. They feed on dead matter and are known as decomposers. Fungi are an important part of the food cycle as they are responsible for utilizing dead matter. Fungi have a cell wall. Yet, the composition of the fungi cell wall differs from the plant cell wall. Fungi are of four types;

Zygomycota

Fungi belonging to Zygomycota feed off decaying animal and plant material. They typically reproduce asexually through spores. You may find zygomycetes in daily life in the form of bread mold. They appear as one large cell with several nuclei due to a lack of septa.

Basidiomycota

Basidiomycetes are also known as club fungi because of their shape. They reproduce sexually and their spores (Basidiospores) develop in Basidia. A common example of Basidiomycota fungi is mushrooms.

Ascomycota

Ascomycota is trouble-causing fungi causing several infections and diseases, in both, plants and animals. Even though the human body has some ascomycetes that contribute to the natural flora. Ascomycota fungi either reproduce asexually or sexually through Asci. Examples of ascomycetes include ringworms, mildews, athlete’s foot, etc. Learn how to eliminate athlete’s fungus from your foot.

Deuteromycota

Deutromycetes are imperfect fungi that do not fit the exact definition of fungi. Most of these fungi reproduce through special spores called Conidia. Some have a septate mycelium, whereas a few have a unicellular thallus.

What are Animals?

Animals are multicellular heterotrophs that can move from one place to another. They account for more than three-quarters of the living organisms on Earth. They are believed to evolve from unicellular eukaryotes. Unlike plants and fungi, animals do not have a cell wall. They cannot produce their own food and depend on other providers for survival. Some animals are herbivores that eat plants.

Alternatively, some are carnivores and eat other animals. The food digests through the digestive system giving them the required nutrients. Animals also typically have cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, and skeletomuscular systems. The skeleton and muscles enable movement. They are absent in other kingdoms. Animals have two major categories; vertebrates and invertebrates. They are further divided into six classes.

Mammals

Mammals are considered to be the most vastly revolutionized animals. However, they are not as diverse as other classes. There are only 5,000 species of animals known so far. The main characteristics of mammals are:

Mammals are warm-blooded animals.
Mammals have fur on their bodies.
They give birth to their young ones.
They have mammary glands to feed their children.

Reptiles

Reptiles’ scaly, mostly dry skin distinguishes them from other animal classes. Reptiles are of four types;

Lizards
Snake
Crocodiles and alligators,
Tortoises and turtles.

Unlike mammals, they are cold-blooded animals. Some of them live on land while others live on the water. The main characteristics of this class are:

They are cold-blooded animals.
Reptiles lay eggs.
They come to the surface of the land to obtain sun rays.
Reptiles may lay their eggs away from water bodies.

Amphibians

Amphibians are somehow similar to reptiles. They can also be seen in the water and on land. Yet, they prefer staying in the water. They have soft, slimy skin that needs moisture to maintain its texture. Amphibians are one of the most endangered animals today. They have some distinct characteristics, like

Amphibians have a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
They typically lay eggs in water bodies.

Fish

Fish are thought to be the first proper vertebrates that evolved from invertebrates. Numerous fish species are categorized into three main types; bony fish, cartilaginous fish, and jawless fish. Fishes have scaly, long body usually. They stay in the water and lay eggs that mature to become fish. The main features of this class are:

Fishes live in the water.
They typically have scaly bodies. Some may be slimy as well.
They are found abundantly globally.
Fish lay their eggs in water in large quantities.
Many fishes are a delicacy in various parts of the world.

Birds

Birds and insects are the only organisms that can fly. As opposed to insects, birds are vertebrates and warm-blooded. They can fly long distances for shelter and food. Scientists believe that birds are an evolution from dinosaurs, and are naturally selected. Some of the most prominent characteristics of birds are:

They are warm-blooded vertebrates.
They can fly.
Birds lay eggs.
They can adapt to various environments.

Insects

Insects are Invertebrates and account for over 97% of the total animal species on Earth. They lack a proper internal structure, and most have a shell. Their bodies are not as highly structured as animals, birds, amphibians, or reptiles. Invertebrates are smaller in size than others. They have the following features:

Invertebrates are cold-blooded.
They do not have a backbone.
Invertebrates reproduce sexually.
They do not have a highly-organized structure.

Similarities Between Fungi and Animals

Fungi and animals are both Eukaryotic, multicellular organisms.
They are heterotrophs and depend on other organisms for food.
Both of them are not producers in the food chain.
Fungi and some animals have chitin that plants do not have.

The Bottom Line

Fungi and animals are vital to the sustenance of life as they play vital roles in the food chain. Animals consume the food made by producers and act as food for other animals. On the other hand, fungi act as decomposers to break down dead matter and release nutrients. Both are multicellular, eukaryotic, and heterotrophs. Animals have mobility, while fungi lack it. They vary widely in structure and function. Humans belong to the Kingdom Animalia, whereas mushrooms are examples of fungi.

Chelsea Rogers

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What are the differences between animal and plant fungal cells?

Explanation: Both plant cells and fungal cells have cell walls; animal cells do not. Plant cells have chloroplasts, but neither fungal cells nor animal cells do. Fungal, plant and animal cells all have plasma membranes and mitochondria.

What is a major difference between plant cells and fungal cells?

Differences Between Plant Cells and Fungus Cells The cell wall of a fungus is made up of a three-part matrix of chitin, glucans, and proteins. The cell wall of a plant is usually made of cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, agar, and others.

What are 3 differences between plants and fungi?

Plants are producers, using the energy of the sun to make seeds, cones, and spores to reproduce, while fungi are decomposers that break down decaying matter. Fungi create a fruiting body, the part of the mushroom we see aboveground that release spores to reproduce.