Chytrids, typically discovered in Chytridiomycota, are generally tiny and inhabit aquatic environments. They commonly reproduce asexually and generate spores that employ flagella, small appendages resembling tails, to facilitate movement.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a specific type of chytrid, can induce a fungal infection in frogs by tunnelling beneath their skin. This pathogen has recently caused widespread destruction among harlequin frog populations in Central and South America, leading to the demise of approximately two-thirds of these frogs.

Zygomycetes are primarily found on land and derive nourishment from plant remains or decomposing animal matter. They also pose issues by proliferating on human food sources. One instance of a zygomycete is Rhizopus stolonifer, a type of mould commonly found on bread.

Unlike other fungi, the hyphae of zygomycetes lack septa, resulting in a mycelium that forms a single large cell containing multiple nuclei. Typically, they reproduce asexually through the production of spores.

Glomeromycetes, constituting approximately 50 per cent of the fungal population in the soil, frequently establish mutualistic relationships with plants through mycorrhizae. Remarkably, about 80 to 90 per cent of terrestrial plants form mycorrhizal associations with glomeromycetes.

In this symbiotic interaction, the fungi receive sugars from the plants while extracting minerals from the soil, thereby providing essential nutrients to the plants. Furthermore, these fungi primarily reproduce through asexual means.

Ascomycetes frequently act as pathogens affecting plants and animals, including humans, and are responsible for various infections such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and ergotism. The latter can lead to symptoms like vomiting, convulsions, hallucinations, and in severe cases, death.

Interestingly, certain ascomycetes, like Candida albicans, are typically present in humans’ respiratory, gastrointestinal, and female reproductive tracts. C. albicans is a yeast that resides within these body parts. Ascomycetes possess reproductive structures called asci, which generate sexual spores but can also reproduce asexually.

Similar to ascomycetes, basidiomycetes also generate sexual spores called basidiospores within specialized cells called basidia. These basidia typically have a club-like shape, so basidiomycetes are often called club fungi.

Sexual reproduction is the predominant mode of reproduction among most basidiomycetes. Mushrooms serve as a well-known illustration of this group of fungi.

Fungi are occasionally neglected in biology, especially when compared to bacteria, plants, and animals. One reason for this is that numerous fungi are microscopic, and the study of fungi, known as mycology, emerged only after the invention of the microscope. Nonetheless, there exist numerous familiar examples of fungi.

Yeasts are a notable example, with Candida albicans being a prime illustration. Candida albicans naturally inhabit the human body, but occasionally, it can overgrow and lead to a yeast infection. These infections are highly prevalent, as approximately 75 per cent of women will experience at least one yeast infection in their lifetime.

Mushrooms and truffles are examples of edible fungi, with truffles being particularly sought after in high-end international cuisine.

Moulds are examples of fungi that gradually develop on food, leading to spoilage. To inhibit mould growth, food is refrigerated as most moulds struggle to thrive at temperatures around 4°C (39°F).

Nevertheless, certain moulds play a beneficial role in the production of cheese. In cheese-making, moulds are intentionally introduced into certain varieties such as soft-ripened brie, washed rind cheeses like Limburger, and blue cheeses.