Fungal Interactions and Competition

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another. It often involves one organism living on or inside another organism. Fungi can be mycoparasites, attacking other fungi for nutrients.

A bacterial symbiont that lives within the fungal mycelium. They often contribute to the fungus's features, like morphology or ability to produce spores.

A type of interaction where bacteria influence the growth of fungi. This can include enhancing bacterial growth, changing nutrient availability, or hindering fungal growth.

The ability of fungi to produce chemicals that kill or inhibit the growth of other fungi. This is a survival mechanism.

A symbiotic relationship between two organisms where one organism lives inside or on the surface of another organism.

Substances produced by fungi that can change the shape or structure of another fungus. This can be a way to outcompete other fungi.

An interaction where one organism produces a substance that negatively affects another organism, like an antibiotic that kills bacteria.

These are interactions between different species of archaea. Some archaea rely on other archaea for survival.

When fungi directly compete with other fungi for resources, leading to a fight for survival, like battling for limited nutrients.

Interactions between fungi and bacteria that can lead to benefits for both or one organism. Endofungal bacteria are one example of a mutualistic relationship.

A relationship where two different species live in close association and benefit from each other.

A type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit from the relationship.

A group of microorganisms living together in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and attached to a surface.

A type of bacterial communication where bacteria release signaling molecules to coordinate group actions like bioluminescence or biofilm formation.

Viruses that specifically infect bacteria.

The stage of a virus's life cycle where it replicates inside a host cell and eventually destroys it by bursting.

The stage of a virus's life cycle where its genetic material integrates into the host cell's DNA, allowing it to replicate along with the host.

The theory that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells through a series of symbiotic events.

The idea that a host organism and its associated microbes form a single ecological unit.

The totality of relationships between a host and its associated microbes, including the microbiome and its impact on host functions.

The ability of an organism to resist infection. It can be innate (non-specific) or adaptive (specific).

Non-specific defense mechanisms that are present at birth and always active. They act quickly against a wide range of pathogens.

Specific defense mechanisms that develop after exposure to a pathogen and provide long-lasting protection.

Cells that engulf and destroy pathogens, playing a key role in both innate and adaptive immunity.

The ability of a pathogen to cause disease. It's a general term.

A measure of pathogenicity, indicating the severity of a pathogen's effects.

Factors produced by pathogens that contribute to their ability to cause disease.

The process of a pathogen attaching to host cells, often the first step in infection.

The ability of a pathogen to enter host cells or tissues, spread, and cause disease.

The growth of microorganisms in host tissues, typically starting at mucous membranes.