1.

Harmful Fungi:

(i) They cause diseases in important crops, e.g., late blight of potato (Phytophthora infestans),
black stem rust of wheat (Puccinia graminis), brown spot of rice (Helminthosporium oryzae), etc.

(ii) They induce animal and human diseases, e.g., mycosis caused by infestation of Aspergillus,
Cercospora and Cryptococcus.

(iii) They also spoil fruits, vegetables and all kinds of foodstuff.

2. Beneficial Fungi

Industrial Use:

Fungi form the most useful basis in industries like, baking and brewing (Saccharomyces),
preparation of cheese (Penicillium) and commercial production of citric acid (Aspergillus niger).

Antibiotics:
Wonder drug, penicillin, is an antibiotic extracted from fungus Penicillium notatum.

Alkaloids:

Fungus, Claviceps pupurea, contains a number of alkaloids which are utilized in medicine and
useful in controlling haemorrhage during child birth.

Used as Food:

Fungi like mushrooms, morels and truffles are used as food.

Soil-fertility:

Majority of known fungi along with bacteria live on dead organic matters, decompose them
performing a very useful service in returning to the soil the nutrients.

Benefits of Protist

Food Source

Ecosystem

Economic Benefits

Symbiotic Relationships

Harful Effects of Protists,

 eukariotic unicellular beings can be very harmful to human health like

Amoeba (amoebiasis) or Toxoplasma (toxoplasmosis).
 Can endanger whole ecosystems like Dinoflagellata (red tide)
 Economy of fisheries can be damaged by same dinoflagellates.