NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Parasitic and Pathogenic Fungi. Parasitic and pathogenic fungi form symbiotic relationships with other living organisms, similarly to mycorrhizal fungi; however, they benefit to the detriment (and sometimes death) of their host. Many species affect trees and other plants.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most pathogenic (disease-causing) fungi are parasites of plants. Most parasites enter the host through a natural opening, such as a stoma (microscopic air pore) in a leaf, a lenticel (small opening through bark) in a stem, a broken plant hair or a hair socket in a fruit, or a wound in the plant.

Detailed explanation-3: -Humans use fungi for many purposes, including as food or in the preparation of food. Humans also use fungi for pest control. In addition, fungi can be used to produce citric acid, antibiotics, and human hormones.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fungi are either saprophytic (they feed on dead plant and animal material), parasitic (they feed off a living host) or symbiotic (they share a mutually beneficial relationship with another organism). Saprophytic fungi release enzymes to soften the dead plant or animal.