Chapter 5.3 Fungi Characteristics and Morphology HARD

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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes fungi from plants?

Fungi have chlorophyll.

Fungi have cell walls made of chitin. (correct)

Fungi reproduce exclusively sexually.

Fungi are autotrophic.

Which statement accurately describes the difference between fungi and bacteria?

Bacteria are heterotrophic, while fungi are autotrophic.

Fungi are prokaryotic, while bacteria are eukaryotic.

Bacteria have chitin in their cell walls, fungi do not.

Fungi have sterols in their membranes, while bacteria lack sterols. (correct)

How do septate hyphae differ from non-septate hyphae?

Septate hyphae have walls known as septa. (correct)

Septate hyphae are unicellular.

Non-septate hyphae are primarily found in yeasts.

Non-septate hyphae contain walls between cells.

In which form do fungi primarily reproduce asexually?

Transverse division. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms describes a collection of hyphae that becomes visible?

Mycelium. Signup and view all the answers

What are mycorrhizae primarily known for?

Facilitating mineral and water absorption for plants. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true of yeast compared to mold?

Yeast are unicellular and can be facultative anaerobes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes saprotrophic fungi?

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

How are fungi classified based on dimorphism?

By the environmental conditions affecting their morphology. Signup and view all the answers

What roles do lichen play in their symbiotic relationships?

They provide shelter and nutrients for both fungi and algae. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the asexual reproduction process in fungi from sexual reproduction?

Produces genetically identical offspring Signup and view all the answers

Which fungal phylum is characterized by septated hyphae and contains the majority of woody edible mushrooms?

Ascomycota Signup and view all the answers

Which fungal disease is also known as 'Summer flu' and primarily affects the lower respiratory system?

Histoplasmosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method through which Microsporidia fungi enter host cells?

Polar tubule penetration Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is commonly used for Candidiasis, particularly for vulvovaginitis?

Nystatin Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Zygomycota, particularly regarding its reproduction?

Produces zygospores during sexual reproduction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are symptoms associated with Coccidioidomycosis, frequently called 'Valley fever'?

Dry, hacking cough and high fever Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT typically associated with Candida albicans?

Dermatophytosis Signup and view all the answers

Which fungal phylum is known for being obligate symbiotes with a significant role in the mycorrhizal association with plants?

Glomeromycota Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary lesion type associated with Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton and Microsporum?

Blistering lesions with scaly rings Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fungal Characteristics

Fungi lack chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize, making them heterotrophic (obtain energy from other sources) unlike plants which are autotrophic (produce their own food).
Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, differentiating them from plant cell walls made of cellulose.
Fungi are eukaryotic, possessing a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, unlike prokaryotic bacteria.
Fungi membranes contain sterols, a characteristic absent in bacteria. Fungal cell walls lack peptidoglycans, which are found in bacteria.

Fungal Morphology and Reproduction

Fungi can exist as either molds or yeasts.
Molds: Multicellular and aerobic, typically reproducing by forming airborne spores.
Yeasts: Unicellular and facultative anaerobes, capable of reproducing both sexually and asexually through budding or transverse division.
Hyphae: Thread-like filaments that absorb nutrients for the fungus. They can extend and break off to form new hyphae.
Mycelium: The interwoven mass of hyphae that forms the visible fungal structure.
Septate hyphae: Have walls (septa) separating individual cells.
Non-septate hyphae: Lack walls between cells, forming continuous tubes.

Fungal Nutrition

Saprotrophs: Fungi that decompose dead organic matter.
Parasites: Fungi that derive nutrients from living hosts, causing harm.
Symbionts: Fungi that live in mutually beneficial relationships with other organisms.

Fungal Symbiotic Relationships

Mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake for the plant.
Lichens: Symbiotic associations between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.

Fungal Classification

Fungi are classified based on several factors including dimorphism (the ability to exist in different forms depending on conditions).
Dimorphism: Some fungi can switch between hyphae and yeast forms depending on temperature or location within a host.

Fungal Reproduction

Asexual reproduction: A common method involving spore formation and subsequent germination to produce offspring genetically identical to the parent. A faster process than sexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction: Less common, involving the fusion of nuclei from two different mating strains of the same species.

Fungal Phyla (Examples)

Chytridiomycota: Primarily aquatic, oldest and simplest fungi, non-septate.
Glomeromycota: Non-septate, known for their symbiotic relationship with plant roots (endomycorrhizae) in 80% of plants.
Zygomycota: Non-septate fungi involved in food spoilage and some plant diseases. Reproduce with zygospores (diploid zygotes).
Ascomycota: Septate fungi, a vast group including many important food sources and plant pathogens. They reproduce with ascospores (within sac-like structures). Asexual reproduction also involves conidiospores.
Basidiomycota: Septate fungi characterized by visible fruiting bodies (e.g., mushrooms). Their reproductive cycle involves basidiospores.
Microsporidia: Non-septate, obligate intracellular parasites of animals, characterized by specialized polar tubules enabling fungal entry into host cells.

Fungal Diseases

Ergotism: A medieval disease caused by fungus-contaminated rye.
Histoplasmosis: A lung infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, often found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings.
Dermatophytosis (Ringworm): Fungal infection of skin, hair, and nails, transmitted by direct contact and fomites (objects).
Candidiasis (Thrush & Yeast Infections): Caused by Candida albicans, affecting mouth, throat, and the vulva/vagina.
Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever): A respiratory infection caused by fungus in soil, common in desert regions.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of fungi in this quiz that covers their unique characteristics and reproductive methods. Learn how fungi differ from plants and bacteria, and discover the various forms they take, including molds and yeasts. Test your knowledge on fungal morphology and traits!