Mycology

fungi · biology · science

Fungi are unique organisms. Fungi are not plants and not animals, but their own special kingdom of living things. They include mushrooms, molds, and yeasts that you see in everyday life.

Scientists study fungi deeply. Mycologists are scientists who study how fungi grow, what they're made of, how they reproduce, and how they connect to everything else in nature.

Yeasts make food delicious. Yeasts are tiny fungi that help make bread rise, brew beer, make wine, and create many other foods and drinks we enjoy every day.

Fungi heal and harm. Some fungi give us powerful medicines like penicillin, while others can be toxic or cause infections, so understanding them keeps us safe and healthy.

Fungi have many uses. People use fungi for food, traditional medicine, starting fires with tinder, and special spiritual purposes across many different cultures.