<\/span><\/h2>\nFungi are parasites or saprophytes and live on dead or living organic matter.<\/p>\n
Mycologists identify and classify fungi based on their appearance by microscopy<\/span> and in culture<\/span>, and by the method of reproduction, which can be sexual or asexual.<\/p>\nGrowing fungi have branching filaments called hyphae, which form the mycelium (like branches are part of a tree). Some fungi are compartmentalized by crossed walls (called septa).<\/p>\n
Arthrospores are made of fragments of hyphae that break in the septa. Asexual spores (conidia) form on conidiophores. The sexual reproductive phase of many fungi is unknown; These are "imperfect fungi" and include those that infect humans.<\/p>\n
Yeasts form a fungal subtype characterized by groups of round or oval cells. These sprout similar cells from its surface to divide and spread. In some circumstances, they form a chain of cells called pseudomycelia.<\/p>\n
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<\/span>Superficial fungal infections<\/span><\/h2>\nThese affect the outer layers of the skin, the nail<\/span> and hair<\/span>. The main groups of fungi that cause superficial fungal infections are:<\/p>\n