Fungi Characteristics and Antifungal Agents

What is the sugar concentration in laboratory media suitable for fungi?

To which type of agents are fungi sensitive?

What do fungal cell membranes consist of?

Which drugs act on ergosterol in fungal cell membranes?

What do all fungi require as a carbon source?

Which type of cell do fungi have?

What is the optimum pH range for fungal growth?

Why are fungi insensitive to penicillins?

What is chitin composed of?

Which component of the fungal cell wall is the target of some antifungal drugs?

Characteristics of Fungi

All fungi are saprophytes, requiring a preformed organic source of carbon for growth.
Fungi have a unique cell membrane composition, featuring ergosterol instead of cholesterol, which is the site of action for antifungal drugs like amphotericin B and azole group.

Physiology of Fungi

Fungi are aerobic, requiring oxygen for their development.
All fungi are eukaryotic, having a true nucleus, unlike bacteria which are prokaryotic.
Fungi have an optimal pH range for growth between 3.8-5, and an optimal temperature range of 22-28°C.

Cell Wall Structure

Fungal cell walls contain large amounts of chitin and cellulose, but do not contain peptidoglycan, making them insensitive to antibiotics like penicillins.
Chitin is a polysaccharide composed of long chains of N-acetylglucosamine.
The fungal cell wall also contains β-glucan, which is the site of action for some antifungal drugs.

Nutritional Requirements

Fungi require a preformed organic source of carbon, often associated with decaying matter.
Sugars are concentrated in laboratory media at 4-5% (compared to 1.5% for bacteria).

Antibiotic Sensitivity

Fungi are sensitive to antifungal agents only, and are not affected by antibiotics that target bacterial cell walls.

This quiz covers the characteristics of fungi, including their cell membrane composition, nutritional requirements, and sensitivity to antifungal agents. Learn about the unique features of fungi and how they differ from bacteria.