Fungi include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.  They are living organisms but are in a different class than plants and bacteria.  Many fungi are too small to see, but large groups of them (called "colonies") can be visible without a microscope.  Some fungi cause disease, but others are helpful in making certain types of food like bread, cheese, and wine.  Mushrooms, as you know, are large fungi that we can eat. Like bacteria, fungi are all around us.  They are floating in the air, living in the soil, and may be found clinging to the side of your bathtub or shower.  Fungi can cause allergies, itchy skin, lung disease and even serious infections.  Some fungi is commonly found on normal, healthy skin.  

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