Difference Between Algae And Fungi

Algae and fungi differ in their mode of nutrition. Algae are autotrophic. They have chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis. Fungi are heterotrophic, they are dependent on others for their nutrients requirement. They feed on dead and decaying organic matter.

Algae And Fungi

Algae vs Fungi

Some of the algae and fungi live in a symbiotic relationship, e.g. Lichens. In lichens, the algal partner provides food to fungi and in return, fungi provide shelter to algae.

Difference Between Algae And Fungi

Algae

Fungi

The word “Alga” means “Seaweed”

The word “Fungus” means “Sponge”
Algae are grouped in the kingdom Plantae. The unicellular blue-green algae are kept under the kingdom Protista

In the five-kingdom classification by Whittaker, fungi were placed in a separate kingdom Fungi

Autotrophic mode of nutrition

Heterotrophic mode of nutrition

They are not parasitic, have chlorophyll and make their own food by photosynthesis.

Some of the fungi are parasite

Similarities between Algae and Fungi

Following are the important similarities between algae and fungi:

  • Vascular tissues are absent in algae and fungi both.
  • Both have eukaryotic cells.
  • Asexual reproduction by fragmentation occurs in both algae and fungi.
  • Reproductive organs lack a protective covering.

Conclusion

Algae and fungi differ remarkably in their structure and mode of nutrition. They do coexist as lichens in a symbiotic relationship.

Related Articles:

Thallophyte
Protista
Test your Knowledge on Algae And Fungi!

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*

  1. This site is very educative I LOVE THIS SITE