When studying these organisms, try to ascertain how an organism exhibiting a particular level of organization performs the functions of growth, reproduction, nutrient procurement and water relations. The Fungi are a diverse group which include such organisms as the yeasts, molds, mildews, rusts and mushrooms. The septa are specialized cross-walls that possess pores which allows for the interconnection of cytoplasm between compartments. A mass of branching hyphae is termed a mycelium which forms the body of the fungus. Growth of hyphae and hyphal branches takes place only at their tips.
Growth is indeterminate.
Being heterotrophic the organism cannot manufacture its own organic compounds. Soluble nutrients are absorbed into the mycelia through the hyphal surfaces. Fungi obtain their food either as parasites or as saprophytes . Fungi are capable of storing food reserves with the most common reserves being glycogen and fats . Fungi occupy a wide variety of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.