Fungal cells have cell walls containing the carbohydrate chitin . Fungal hyphae have a small volume but large surface area, enhancing the fungal absorptive capacity. Fungal hyphae are collectively termed a mycelium . Some fungi are saprophytes , they obtain their food from the decaying bodies of plants and animals. Other fungi are parasites .
Fungi are important both as a source of food and in the preparation of food.
Edible fungi include mushrooms, truffles, and morels. Cheeses such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton, and bleu have fungal colonies that give theses cheeses their distinctive flavors. Beer and wine are produced through the action of fungi known as yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisae . Many antibiotics are produced by fungi. Fungi also are important crop parasites, causing loss of food plants, spoilage of food and some infectious diseases.