Biology of Fungi Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the term used for a mass of hyphae?

Mycelium (correct)

Mushroom

Filament

Spore

What are the cross-walls in hyphae called?

Cortex

Septae (correct)

Filaments

Capsules

What is the primary function of the gaps in the cross-walls of hyphae?

Protection from pathogens

Storing energy

Reproduction

Facilitating nutrient movement (correct)

Mycelia persistently grow towards which regions?

Regions with higher concentrations of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the body shape of a fungus?

It can change based on environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What are fungal cell walls primarily composed of?

Chitin Signup and view all the answers

Which process do fungi use to break down food before absorption?

Extracellular digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary distinction in where animals perform digestion compared to fungi?

Animals digest food outside their body Signup and view all the answers

What are the two growth forms of fungi mentioned?

Filamentous and yeast-like Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic separates fungi from other organisms regarding their ability to digest chitin?

Most animals cannot digest chitin without assistance Signup and view all the answers

What defines the major clades within fungi?

They're defined by specific ancestors and features Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about spore production is correct?

Basidiomycota have a higher number of spores than Ascomycota Signup and view all the answers

What is the reproductive stage of the fungal life cycle commonly referred to as?

The fruiting stage Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do all modern terrestrial fungi share?

They have evolved new structures Signup and view all the answers

How does sexual reproduction typically occur in fungi?

Through the fusion of two mycelia Signup and view all the answers

Which fungi group is NOT correctly matched with its defining characteristic?

Glomeromycota - Lack spores altogether Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of the fruiting bodies in both Basidiomycota and Ascomycota?

They are all produced under optimal environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the two steps of fungal reproduction?

Formation of reproductive structures and spore dispersal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary organism infected by chytridiomycosis?

Amphibians Signup and view all the answers

What role do chytrids play in their global spread?

Their spores are highly mobile and resistant. Signup and view all the answers

Which species is primarily associated with White Nose Syndrome?

Bats Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome of fungal infections in skin diseases?

They are usually not life-threatening in healthy individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the impact of fungi on the carbon cycle?

They release carbon back into the atmosphere through decomposition. Signup and view all the answers

What is one key benefit that plants receive from their association with mycorrhizal fungi?

Enhanced nutrient absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the relationship between ectomycorrhizal fungi and plants?

Plants provide fungi with carbohydrates, while fungi increase water retention for plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of lichens?

They consist of a symbiotic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What significant role did mycorrhizal fungi likely play in the early evolution of land plants?

They facilitated the colonization of dry land by plants. Signup and view all the answers

Approximately what fraction of land plants today live in physical contact with fungi?

Close to three-quarters Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mycorrhizal fungi forms structures that penetrate the root cells of plants?

Endomycorrhizal fungi Signup and view all the answers

What crucial ability may have contributed to the success of early land plants associated with mycorrhizal fungi?

Nutrient acquisition ability Signup and view all the answers

In some lichens, what additional component has been discovered to be part of their structure?

Yeast cells Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of individuals infected with Valley Fever typically show no symptoms?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary risk associated with eating the Death Cap Mushroom?

Acute liver failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in treating infections caused by Valley Fever?

Many cases show no symptoms at all Signup and view all the answers

What type of trees is the Death Cap Mushroom commonly associated with in California?

Oak trees Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the structure of yeast in fungi?

Unicellular Signup and view all the answers

In which reproductive phase does karyogamy occur in the fungal life cycle?

After plasmogamy Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic that distinguishes Ascomycota from Basidiomycota?

Different methods of sexual reproduction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is a key identifier of the Death Cap Mushroom?

Presence of a volva at the base Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fungi: Introduction

Fungi are closely related to animals, evidenced by DNA sequence data, similar chitin synthesis, flagella structure, and glycogen storage.
Fungi have two growth forms: single-celled yeasts and multicellular filamentous forms (mycelia).
Fungi perform extracellular digestion, secreting enzymes to break down food outside their bodies, and then absorbing the digested compounds.

Fungal Cell Walls & Extracellular Digestion

Fungal cell walls are composed of chitin.
Most animals cannot digest chitin without bacterial symbionts.
Extracellular digestion is when digestion occurs outside the organism.

Hyphae

Hyphae are long, narrow filaments that make up a mycelium.
Septa are cross-walls that divide hyphae into cells, with pores allowing rapid nutrient flow.
Mycelia are composed of hyphae and are the main body of most fungi.

Major Clades of Fungi

Groups are defined by unique characteristics.
Fungal ancestors were related to animals or both had unique traits.
Terrestrial fungi evolved structures like fruiting bodies for spore dispersal.

Fungi and Symbiosis

Fungi form mutualistic relationships with other organisms, such as mycorrhizal fungi that associate with plant roots.
Mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake for the plant, and receive carbon compounds in return.
Endomycorrhizal fungi are called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Lichens are a symbiotic association of fungi and photosynthetic partners (algae or cyanobacteria).

Fungi and Reproduction

Fungi reproduce sexually and asexually.
Fungi reproduce using fruiting bodies that create masses of spores.
In sexual reproduction, plasmogamy (fusion of cytoplasm) and karyogamy (fusion of nuclei) are the two steps leading to the formation of a zygote diploid structure.

Fungi: Body Forms

Crustaceous lichens are in contact with the substrate.
Foliose lichens are flat and not in contact with the substrate.
Fruticose lichens are shrub-like.

Fungal Diseases

Chytridiomycosis is a skin disease that infects amphibians.
White Nose Syndrome infects bats.
Valley Fever is caused by inhaled fungal spores.
Death Cap Mushroom is a deadly mushroom from Europe, and has similar characteristics to other edible species but is extremely toxic.

Importance of Fungi

Fungi are saprophytes that break down dead organisms, playing a key role in the carbon cycle.
Some fungi cause human diseases, like athlete's foot and ringworm.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the fascinating world of fungi with this quiz! Explore topics such as mycelium structure, digestion processes, and key characteristics that distinguish fungi from other organisms. Perfect for biology students and enthusiasts alike.