What are fungi primarily composed of?

Fungi are primarily composed of thread-like filaments called hyphae, which are essential to their structure. Hyphae are the basic building blocks of fungal growth, forming a network known as mycelium. This structure allows fungi to efficiently absorb nutrients from their environment. By extending through the substrate, hyphae can break down organic matter, facilitating the decomposition process and contributing to nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

While some fungi may exist as single-celled organisms, like yeast, their broader structure is predominantly defined by the hyphal network. Simple sugars may serve as a source of energy for fungi, but they do not constitute the primary makeup of the organism itself. Dense roots are a characteristic of plants, not fungi, highlighting the distinct kingdom to which fungi belong. Therefore, the composition of fungi centers around the presence of hyphae, which is crucial for their growth and functional capabilities.