Which organisms fall under the category of fungi?

Fungi are a distinct group of organisms that include various types of yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They are characterized by their eukaryotic cell structure, which includes a defined nucleus and cellular membrane. Yeasts are unicellular fungi that play significant roles in fermentation and baking, while molds are multicellular fungi known for their filamentous structures. This classification underscores the diversity within the fungi kingdom, highlighting their unique reproductive and nutritional mechanisms.

In contrast to fungi, bacteria and viruses represent entirely different categories of microorganisms. Bacteria are prokaryotic, meaning they lack a defined nucleus, while viruses are acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate. Protozoa and helminths are part of the kingdom Protista and the kingdom Animalia, respectively, which are separate from fungi. Single-celled organisms can include both unicellular fungi such as yeasts and prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria, thereby blurring the classification lines; however, this broader categorization does not specifically identify what constitutes fungi. Therefore, yeasts and molds are a clear representation of the fungi kingdom.