Cell structure

• Plants and fungi represent two of the five kingdoms of organisms. While there are many differences between these two groups, there are also several similarities. Both plants and fungi are multicellular, which means simply that they are composed of multiple cells rather than a single cell (as a bacterium is). They also have cell walls surrounding the exterior of the individual cells. They also have genetic material within a nucleus and are known as eukaryotes. This is in contrast to prokaryotes, which do not contain their genetic material within defined nuclei.
  
  

Reproduction

• Fungi and many plants can produce either asexually or sexually. Asexual reproduction is essentially propagation and does not involve the exchange of genetic material between individuals. So, offspring of asexually reproducing organisms like plants and fungi are simply copies of their parents. This is evident in a piece of a houseplant that is placed in a cup of water and can be replanted. When fungi and plants reproduce sexually, there is an exchange of genetic material and the offspring have a degree of genetic variance. This variance is what is necessary for these organisms to evolve in response to changing environmental conditions. Although fungi reproduce through spores and plants reproduce by using sperm (pollen) and eggs to produce seeds, the function of sexual reproduction is the same.
  
  

Mobility

• Plants and fungi are both stationary organisms. In contrast to plants, which are usually attached to their substrates (typically soil) via a root system, fungi do not have such complex systems and will simply cover objects with fingerlike filaments. Although the parent plant and fungus are stationary, the reproductive structures are not necessarily stationary (both fungal spores and plant pollen can be transported on the wind).
  
  

Ecology

• Plants and fungi have different ecological roles but are similar in that each type of ecological roles is critical to the function of a healthy ecosystem. Plants are considered producers because they harness the sunlight and via photosynthesis create biomass. Conversely, fungi break down biomass and are known as decomposers. So, although plants and fungi have different nutritional requirements, they both need water to live. Reproductive parts such as seeds and spores do not need water to survive; but to thrive, members of both kingdoms require water.