Fungal Biology: Synchytrium Quiz

A group of fungi that includes aquatic, parasitic, and saprophytic species.

A type of reproduction where the entire organism is involved in the process.

A type of reproduction where specialized structures develop for reproduction.

A type of fungal structure that lacks cross-walls and is characterized by a continuous cytoplasm.

A type of reproduction where a new organism develops from a fragment of the parent organism.

Asexual reproduction in lower forms of Synchytrium involves spores produced in sporangia, which in turn develop on sporangiophores. These spores can be motile (with one or two flagella) or non-motile (aplanospores).

In more advanced forms, like Albugo, sporangia can act as conidiophores, producing asexual spores known as conidia. Conidia can germinate directly or form zoospores.

Zoospores or aplanospores, the motile or non-motile spores, are released from the parent cell through specific pores or vesicles.

The life cycle of Synchytrium can include a period of rest or dormancy. Some species even exhibit diplanetism, having two periods of activity separated by rest.

The thallus of Synchytrium is a unique single cell structure. It's holocarpic, meaning the entire cell is involved in reproduction. Early on, the cell lacks a wall.

During reproduction, the Synchytrium cell divides inside the host cell to form a group of reproductive organs called a sorus. This sorus contains sporangia or gametangia, the structures responsible for spore production.

A fungal parasite that infects potato tubers, leading to the formation of galls or tumors. It reproduces asexually through the production of zoospores.

Small, mobile reproductive cells with flagella, produced by Synchytrium.

The process by which Synchytrium reproduces asexually, producing zoospores within a sporangium, which then infect new host cells.

A swollen structure on a potato tuber caused by infection with Synchytrium.

Favorable conditions, such as the presence of water, that enable zoospores to infect potato tubers.

A fungus that causes the black wart disease of potatoes, often found in Europe.

The life cycle of Synchytrium endobioticum has an asexual stage where uniflagellate zoospores infect potato tubers, leading to the formation of summer spores and characteristic tumors.

A multinucleate structure formed by the protoplast undergoing repeated mitotic division in the host cell.

The plant body of Synchytrium endobioticum is a single cell that lives within the host, making it an endophyte.

The process where the host cell surrounding the infected cell enlarges, creating tumors and swellings.

A close and often long-term interaction between two different species where at least one species benefits.

The organism that provides a habitat or other resources to the symbiont.

The organism that benefits from the relationship with the host.

The exchange of nutrients and other substances between the host and the symbiont.

The chemical products produced by the host or symbiont during their metabolic processes.

Resting spores of Synchytrium are dormant structures crucial for survival during unfavourable conditions. These spores germinate upon encountering suitable conditions, initiating the fungal life cycle.

Zoospores are mobile, flagellated cells released from resting spores in Synchytrium. They actively swim towards a suitable host to initiate infection.

When conditions are unfavourable for Synchytrium, such as water scarcity, it enters a sexual phase. This involves the formation of gametangia, which release planogametes.

Planogametes, produced by Synchytrium during its sexual phase, are motile cells that fuse with each other to form a zygote. This fusion is crucial for genetic diversity and survival.

The zygote formed by the fusion of planogametes in Synchytrium develops into resting spores, completing the life cycle and ensuring the fungus's survival.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are known to be susceptible to infections caused by Synchytrium. This interaction highlights the parasitic nature of this fungus.

Disease-resistant potato varieties are an effective method for controlling Synchytrium infections. These varieties possess genetic traits that make them less susceptible to the fungus.

Export restrictions from regions where Synchytrium infection is prevalent are an important measure to prevent its spread to new areas. This helps to protect healthy potato crops.