25 Questions
What is the role of the upper cortex in a lichen thallus?
Protects the thallus with a layer of fungal hyphae
How does controlled infection of grapes by Botrytis cinerea differ from uncontrolled infection?
Controlled infection results in noble rot, enhancing flavor for dessert wines
Which category of drugs do penicillin and cephalosporins belong to?
Antibiotics
What type of infections are caused by Trichophyton violaceum?
Superficial mycoses on the scalp
Which fungal pathogen infects airways and causes symptoms similar to influenza?
Histoplasma capsulatum
Why can't fungal infections be treated with antibiotics?
Fungi are eukaryotic cells, while antibiotics only work on prokaryotic cells
Which fungal infection mentioned in the text can be fatal to HIV patients?
Histoplasmosis
What is a serious challenge associated with many antifungal medications?
They have serious side effects due to similarity between eukaryotic cells
Which species is responsible for causing root disease in conifers in Oregon?
Humungous Fungus Armillaria ostoyae
What led to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event according to the text?
Asteroid impact
What is the structure that contains ascospores in Ascomycota?
Ascus
Which type of fungi is known for causing human infections like Aspergillosis and Candidiasis?
Ascomycota
What is the main function of antifungal medications?
Prevent fungal infections in humans
Which fungal pathogen is responsible for causing Dutch elm disease?
Aspergillus
In noble rot, a beneficial form of botrytis cinerea, what happens to grapes?
They develop a sweeter taste
Which characteristic is NOT shared by fungi with plants?
Cell wall made of cellulose
What is a key feature that distinguishes septated hyphae from coenocytic hyphae in fungi?
Presence of perforations between cells in septated hyphae
How do mycorrhizal fungi benefit plants in their relationship?
Facilitate water and nutrient absorption for plants
Which type of reproduction in fungi involves the release of spores from a sporangium?
Both sexual and asexual reproduction
What is the primary mode of nutrition for fungi mentioned in the text?
Decomposing organic matter
What is a characteristic feature of Chytridiomycota?
Possess fungi spores with flagella
Which group of fungi forms a mutualistic relationship between hyphae and tree roots?
Glomeromycota
In Zygomycota, what is the main method of reproduction?
Conjugation resulting in zygospores
Which type of fungi is known for causing infections in amphibians?
Chytridiomycota
What is a notable characteristic of Glomeromycota concerning reproduction?
Asexual reproduction dominates
Study Notes
Fungi Characteristics
- Mostly multicellular species that prefer moist, slightly acidic environments
- Contain chitin in their cell walls
- Most are haploid for the majority of their life cycle
- None are photosynthetic, all are heterotrophic
- Vary in oxygen requirements, including obligate aerobes, obligate anaerobes, and facultative anaerobes
Cell Structure and Function
- Eukaryotic cellular organization with membrane-bound nucleus
- Linear DNA wrapped around histones
- Complex system of internal membranes, including endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria
Morphology of Multicellular Fungi
- Hyphae: long, branching filamentous structures that excrete digestive enzymes and absorb nutrients
- Mycelium: mass of hyphae; vegetative stage
- Fruiting body: reproductive structure for dispersal of spores
- Hyphae can be septated or aseptate (coenocytic)
Metabolism and Nutrition
- Heterotrophic: obtain carbon and nitrogen from food
- External digestion: digestion occurs before ingestion
- Decomposers: break down insoluble polysaccharides into glucose
- Saprophytic: nutrients from decaying organic matter
- Mutualists: mycorrhizal fungi form relationships with plants, exchanging nutrients and carbohydrates
Reproduction of Fungi
- Sexual and/or asexual reproduction produces spores from the sporangium
- Release of spores from a sporangium at the end of a hypha called a sporangiophore
Other Roles of Fungi
- Fermentation: antibiotics, medical drugs, and food production
- Model organisms: genetic research
- Lichen: mutualistic relationship between a fungus and an alga
Human Fungal Infections
- Mycosis: disease caused by fungal infection
- Many antifungal medications have serious side effects due to similarity between eukaryotic cells
- Opportunistic fungal infections take advantage of compromised immune systems
- Examples of human fungal infections: ringworm, superficial mycoses, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Candida
Ascomycota: Sac Fungi
- Most common type of fungus
- Examples: morels, truffles, baking/brewing/fermenting yeasts, Penicillium, and Candida
- Ascus: sac-shaped structure that contains ascospores (sexual spores)
- Conidiophore: contains conidia (asexual spores)
Basidiomycota: Club Fungi
- Sexual reproduction is most common
- Basidiocarp: fruiting body
- Basidia: sites of sexual reproduction to produce basidiospores
- Gills: connected hyphae that support the basidia
Chytridiomycota – Chytrids
- Simplest and most primitive fungi
- Primarily unicellular and aquatic
- Parasites and saprobes, causing infection in amphibians and has caused some extinctions
Glomeromycota
- Small group of species
- Arbuscular mycorrhizae: mutualistic relationship between hyphae and tree roots
- Only asexual reproduction
Zygomycota
- Conjugated or zygote-producing fungi
- Asexual reproduction is more common, producing sporangiospores
- Sexual reproduction: conjugation requires two opposing mating strains (+ and -) and forms zygosporangium with zygospores
Learn about the characteristics of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota fungi. Ascomycota includes sac fungi like Morels, truffles, and Penicillium, while Basidiomycota consists of club fungi with structures like basidiocarps and basidia.
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