Fungal Biology and Genetically Modified Fungi

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the GM fungi mentioned in relation to mosquitoes?

To promote the growth of malaria parasites

To block the development of malaria parasites (correct)

To infect humans with diseases

To enhance the reproduction of mosquitoes

Which of the following describes the Oregon honey fungus?

It reproduces only sexually.

It is a parasitic fungus causing human diseases.

It covers an area of over 3.4 square miles. (correct)

It is the smallest living organism on earth.

What type of cell division results in gametes or spores?

Mitosis

Clonal propagation

Meiosis (correct)

Binary fission

Which of the following is a known impact of fungal diseases on wildlife?

Infectious diseases in frogs Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of consuming poisonous mushrooms?

Mycotoxins leading to illness Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a general fungal disease in humans?

Mycosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the ghost pipe and mycorrhizae?

It depends on mycorrhizae for nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the four kingdoms in the domain Eukarya?

Protists are the simplest organisms among the four kingdoms. Signup and view all the answers

What role do fungi play as decomposers in the ecosystem?

They digest dead organic matter. Signup and view all the answers

What type of fungi is primarily responsible for causing mycosis?

Mold Signup and view all the answers

How do mycorrhizae benefit plants?

They enhance nutrient and water absorption. Signup and view all the answers

What are lichens composed of?

Fungi and green algae or cyanobacteria. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of applying a fungicide to soil?

It may harm beneficial fungi that assist plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an active ingredient found in turmeric?

Curcumin Signup and view all the answers

What type of plants produce seeds?

Gymnosperms Signup and view all the answers

Which structure in plants is primarily responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the soil?

Xylem Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the life cycle of moss?

Moss requires water for sperm to swim to the egg. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic shared by all land plants?

Multicellular structure Signup and view all the answers

What role does curcumin play in the context of health?

It helps in digestion disorders. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge of life on land for early plants?

Water storage Signup and view all the answers

In the alternation of generations, what is the ploidy level of the gametophyte?

Haploid Signup and view all the answers

What significant evolutionary development allowed plants to grow larger?

Vascular tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which group of plants is characterized by producing flowers and fruits?

Angiosperms Signup and view all the answers

What structure is primarily responsible for fertilization in gymnosperms?

Pollen tube Signup and view all the answers

Which group is NOT a major category of gymnosperms?

Lycophytes Signup and view all the answers

What type of seed does a female pine cone produce?

Seed with wings Signup and view all the answers

During the life cycle of gymnosperms, what type of plant structure do both male and female cones represent?

Sporophyte Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of endosperm in seeds?

To provide nutrients for initial growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following trees is noted as the longest living?

Bristlecone pine Signup and view all the answers

How does pollen contribute to reproduction in gymnosperms?

It transfers sperm to ovules without the need for water Signup and view all the answers

What is the gametophyte stage responsible for producing in gymnosperms?

Haploid gametes Signup and view all the answers

What structure forms the seed coat in a plant?

Ovule's external layer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about angiosperms?

They are flowering plants. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes angiosperms from gymnosperms regarding pollination?

Angiosperms have double fertilization. Signup and view all the answers

Which pollinators are attracted to flowers with a sweet odor?

Pollinators with a good sense of smell, like butterflies Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the stamen in flowering plants?

To produce pollen Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a new feature of angiosperms?

Vascular system Signup and view all the answers

What process leads to the formation of both a zygote and an endosperm in angiosperms?

Double fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Which group of plants is characterized as having approximately 250,000 species that include flowering trees and grasses?

Angiosperms Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Genetically Modified Fungi

Genetically modified (GM) fungi can inhibit the development of malaria parasites within mosquitoes.
GM fungi also infect and target stink bugs, acting as potential biopesticides.

Oregon Honey Fungus

Known as the honey mushroom, is the largest single living organism on Earth.
This organism spans over 3.4 square miles in Oregon's national forest and is over 2400 years old.

Fungal Reproduction

Fungi reproduce primarily by producing spores, which can grow directly into new fungi.

Reproductive Forms

Diploid (2n): Organisms with two sets of chromosomes, inheriting 23 chromosomes from each parent.
Haploid (n): Organisms with one set of chromosomes, such as eggs, sperm, or spores.
Mitosis: Cell division maintaining the same chromosome number.
Meiosis: Cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half.

Life Cycles

Most fungi can reproduce sexually and asexually, producing spores that grow into fungi.

Negative Impact of Fungi

Chytrid Fungus: Causes severe infections in frog populations.
White Nose Syndrome: Affects bat populations, leading to mortality.

Plant Diseases Caused by Fungi

Fungi are responsible for many plant diseases, such as wheat rust and corn smut.
Wheat Rust: A serious plant disease, threatening European crops and originating from Africa.

Human Pathogenic Fungi

Mycosis: Describes a range of fungal diseases affecting humans, including:
- Ringworm
- Vaginal yeast infections
- Valley fever
- Athlete's foot

Toxic Effects and Allergies from Fungi

Mycotoxins: Harmful toxins produced by fungi.
Aflatoxin: A known liver cancer-causing toxin found in certain molds.
Allergic reactions can occur due to mold exposure.

Fungal Meningitis Case

A contaminated steroid outbreak resulted in 64 deaths in September 2012.
The company's president was acquitted of murder but convicted of cover-ups, receiving a 9-year sentence in June 2017.

Mycorrhizal Dependency

Ghost pipe serves as a plant parasite relying on mycorrhizal fungi for nutrients.

Plant Kingdom Overview

Four kingdoms in the domain Eukarya: Protists, Plants, Fungi, Animals.
While plants are renewable, their diversity is limited and non-renewable, crucial for food, fiber, timber, biofuels, and medications (e.g., Quinine, Taxol, menthol, morphine).

Plant Evolution

Plants likely evolved from green algae approximately 425 million years ago.
Features supporting life on land include sunlight access, carbon dioxide inhalation, and nutrient absorption.

Challenges for Terrestrial Plants

Plants face potential drying out, gas exchange difficulties, and require a well-developed root and vascular system.
Xylem: Transports water and nutrients from soil.
Phloem: Distributes sugars throughout the plant.
Development of pollen, seeds, and flowering structures contributed to plant success on land.

Plant Classification

Non-vascular plants lack vascular tissue.
Vascular seedless plants possess vascular systems.
Gymnosperms produce seeds, while angiosperms produce flowers and fruits.

Characteristics of Land Plants

All land plants exhibit multicellularity, eukaryotic cells, cuticles, and perform photosynthesis alongside alternation of generations involving sporophytes and gametophytes.

Moss Life Cycle

Mosses are non-vascular plants; key stages involve fertilization in the presence of water and lead to the development of sporophytes.

Seedless Vascular Plants: Ferns

Ferns, evolving during the Carboniferous era, feature a vascular system associated with large plant structures.

Gymnosperms

Include conifers, cycads, gnetophytes, and ginkgo.
Reproductive structures include male (smaller) and female cones (larger, producing seeds).

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that dominate present-day ecosystems, with complex flower structures aiding in reproductive processes.
They engage in double fertilization, resulting in zygote and endosperm formation.

Benefits and Challenges of Fungi

Fungi act as decomposers and can provide food (e.g., yeast) and medications (e.g., antibiotics).
They may also pose threats as parasites, causing significant plant and human diseases.
Benefits to plants include enhanced nutrient and nitrogen uptake via symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi.

Key Interactions in Ecosystems

Lichens (association of fungi and green algae or cyanobacteria) highlight the mutualistic relations, where fungi gain food and algae gain protection.
Mycorrhizae enhances plant growth through improved root nutrient access.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of fungi, including genetically modified varieties that combat pests and pathogens. Learn about the remarkable Oregon honey fungus, an ancient giant, and the reproductive strategies of fungi. This quiz covers critical concepts related to fungal biology and environmental applications.