Fungi Classification and Nutrition Quiz
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Questions and Answers

In which group are fungi phylogenetically classified?

  • Amorphea (correct)
  • Plantae
  • Bacteria
  • Archaea

Fungi have a closer evolutionary relationship with land plants than with animals.

False (B)

What is the primary method through which fungi obtain their nutrients?

  • Photosynthesis
  • Absorptive nutrition through external digestion (correct)
  • Chemosynthesis
  • None of the above

What are the three synapomorphies of fungi?

<p>Absorptive nutrition, presence of hyphae and mycelium, presence of chitinous cell walls.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi obtain nutrients through a process known as __________ nutrition.

<p>absorptive</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi can digest cellulose and lignin found in plant materials.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with their descriptions:

<p>Hyphae = Filamentous structures that make up the mycelium Mycelium = The main body of a fungus Chitin = A component of the cell wall in fungi Absorptive nutrition = Obtaining nutrients by absorbing organic molecules</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are hyphae?

<p>Cylindrical, branched, multicellular filaments that absorb nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do most fungi play in their environments?

<p>Decomposers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi primarily acquire nutrients by growing and forming a network called ______.

<p>mycelium</p> Signup and view all the answers

All fungi are unicellular organisms.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about yeasts is true?

<p>Yeasts evolved from a hyphae-forming ancestor. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell walls do pathogenic yeasts have?

<p>Chitinous cell walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi are motile organisms that can move toward nutrients.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of exoenzymes in the digestive process of fungi?

<p>They break down large and complex organic molecules in the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following structures/terms to their descriptions:

<p>Hyphae = Multicellular filaments that absorb nutrients Mycelium = Network formed by hyphae Yeasts = Unicellular fungi Exoenzymes = Enzymes secreted for digestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure enhances nutrient absorption in fungi?

<p>Mycelium (B), Hyphae (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hyphae of coenocytic fungi are divided into separate cells with walls.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What polymer is found in the cell walls of fungal hyphae?

<p>Chitin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi reproduce by creating and dispersing high quantities of ______.

<p>spores</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of fungal reproduction with its characteristic:

<p>Asexual reproduction = Involves mitosis Sexual reproduction = Involves meiosis Penicillium = Reproduces asexually Fruiting bodies = Produce spores via meiosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of hyphal structure allows for cell-to-cell movement of molecules?

<p>Septa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All fungi exclusively use asexual reproduction throughout their life cycle.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of hyphae are characterized by numerous nuclei dispersed throughout without cell division?

<p>Coenocytic hyphae</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process is involved in the formation of fungal spores?

<p>Both mitosis and meiosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi reproduce exclusively through sexual reproduction.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two unique stages in the life cycle of fungi that involve nuclear fusion?

<p>Plasmogamy and Karyogamy</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungal spores have cell walls rich in __________ for rigidity and protection.

<p>chitin</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following stages of fungal reproduction with their description:

<p>Plasmogamy = Fusion of cytoplasm Karyogamy = Fusion of nuclei Asexual reproduction = Production of spores without fusion Sexual reproduction = Involves genetic mixing through mating types</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is known to rely strictly on asexual reproduction?

<p>Penicillium (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi have a diploid, multicellular stage that is permanent.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

From what type of organism did fungi likely originate?

<p>Aquatic, unicellular, flagellated protist</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature distinguishes chytrids from other fungi?

<p>Production of motile, flagellated asexual spores called zoospores (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fungi can be classified into four phyla.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated total number of fungal species that may exist?

<p>1.5 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chytrids belong to the phylum ______.

<p>Chytridiomycota</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phyla includes fungi that are known as zygomycetes?

<p>Zygomycota (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following fungal phyla with their characteristics:

<p>Chytridiomycota = Presence of motile, flagellated spores Zygomycota = Production of zygospores Ascomycota = Production of ascospores Basidiomycota = Production of basidiospores</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one ecological role that fungi play.

<p>Decomposers, parasites, or mutualists</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of spores do Ascomycetes produce during sexual reproduction?

<p>Asci (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ascomycetes can only reproduce sexually.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the brief dikaryotic stage in Ascomycetes characterized by?

<p>Plasmogamy and karyogamy taking place in quick succession.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ascomycetes serve as decomposers, mutualists, and __________.

<p>pathogens</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their corresponding definitions:

<p>Asci = Sac-like sexual spores in Ascomycetes Conidia = Asexual spores produced by Ascomycetes Ascocarp = Fruiting body containing asci Conidiophores = Specialized hyphae that produce conidia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following environments do Ascomycetes inhabit?

<p>Marine, freshwater, and terrestrial (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ascomycetes are a simple and uniform group of fungi.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the specialized structures called that produce basidiospores in Basidiomycetes?

<p>Basidia</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Absorptive nutrition in fungi

Fungi obtain nutrients by absorbing organic molecules from their surroundings.

Hyphae and mycelium in fungi

A network of branching filaments called hyphae, which collectively form a mycelium.

Chitinous cell wall in fungi

Fungal cell walls are made of chitin, a tough, rigid polysaccharide.

Fungi as chemoheterotrophs

Fungi are classified as heterotrophs and obtain their energy from organic molecules produced by other organisms.

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Fungal phylogeny: closer to animals

Fungi are more closely related to animals than to plants.

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Diversity and ecological roles of fungi

Fungi are found in a wide variety of habitats and play a crucial role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.

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Diversity of fungal adaptations

Fungi are a diverse group of organisms with a wide range of adaptations.

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Ecological importance of fungi

Fungi are vital for ecosystems, including decomposition, nutrient cycling, and symbiosis with plants.

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Absorptive Nutrition

Fungi obtain nutrients by secreting enzymes outside their bodies to break down complex organic molecules into simpler ones, which they then absorb.

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External Digestion

The process of breaking down food outside of the organism's body.

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Exoenzymes

Enzymes secreted by fungi that break down food outside their bodies.

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Hyphae

Long, thin, branching filaments that make up the fungal body. They are responsible for absorption of nutrients.

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Mycelium

A network of hyphae, forming the main body of a fungus.

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Yeast

A type of fungus that exists as single-celled organisms and does not form hyphae.

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Budding

The process of a single-celled organism reproducing by developing a bulge that eventually detaches to form a new organism.

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Fruiting Body

A specialized structure in some fungi that produces and releases spores for reproduction.

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What are hyphae?

Thin, tubular cells filled with cytoplasm and organelles that make up the fungal body.

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What is a coenocytic hyphae?

A type of fungal hyphae lacking internal divisions, with numerous nuclei dispersed throughout.

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What is a septate hyphae?

A type of fungal hyphae containing septa, dividing the cytoplasm into individual cells.

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What is mycelium?

The filamentous structure formed by the interwoven network of hyphae, greatly increasing surface area for nutrient absorption and enzyme secretion.

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What is chitin?

A tough, rigid polymer found in the cell walls of fungi, providing structural support.

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What are spores?

A reproductive unit produced by fungi, capable of developing into a new individual.

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How does asexual reproduction occur in fungi?

Asexual reproduction in fungi involves the production of spores through mitosis, generating offspring genetically identical to the parent.

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How does sexual reproduction occur in fungi?

Sexual reproduction in fungi involves the fusion of two haploid nuclei, followed by meiosis, resulting in genetic diversity.

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Fungal Reproduction

Fungi produce vast numbers of spores for reproduction, either asexually or sexually. Many fungi utilize both methods at different life stages, while others solely depend on asexual reproduction.

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Spore Function and Structure

Spores are the dispersal stage in a fungal life cycle. They are protected by a rigid chitin-rich cell wall, enabling them to survive in diverse environments.

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Fungal Life Cycle

Fungal life cycles resemble those of haploid-dominant eukaryotic organisms, characterized by a brief diploid stage. Unique steps include plasmogamy (cytoplasm fusion without nuclear fusion) and karyogamy (nuclear fusion). The resulting zygote is also transient.

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Fungal Phylogeny

Fungi and animals share a recent evolutionary history. They belong to the opisthokont group, with an ancestral unicellular, flagellated protist. Phylogenetic studies strongly indicate that the fungi kingdom is a monophyletic group, meaning it evolved from a single common ancestor.

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What are ascomycetes?

A group of fungi characterized by the presence of sac-like structures called asci, which contain sexual spores.

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Describe sexual reproduction in ascomycetes.

The dikaryotic stage is brief, with the fusion of cytoplasm (plasmogamy) and nuclei (karyogamy) happening rapidly.

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What is an ascocarp?

The fruiting body of ascomycetes, where asci are contained.

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What are conidia?

These spores are produced asexually within specialized hyphae called conidiophores.

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What are basidiomycetes?

Basidiomycetes form a group of fungi characterized by their production of sexual spores called basidiospores.

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What are basidia?

Basidiospores develop on specialized structures called basidia.

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What are the ecological roles of Ascomycetes?

Ascomycetes play vital roles in ecosystems, acting as decomposers, mutualists, and pathogens.

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What are some examples of basidiomycetes?

These fungi are known for producing a wide variety of fruiting bodies, including mushrooms, toadstools, and puffballs.

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What are the five major phyla of fungi?

Fungi are classified into five distinct phyla: Chytridiomycota (Chytrids), Zygomycota (Zygomycetes), Glomeromycota (Glomeromycetes), Ascomycota (Ascomycetes), and Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes).

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What are chytrids?

Chytrids are a group of fungi characterized by the presence of motile, flagellated spores called zoospores. They are found in aquatic or moist environments.

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What are glomeromycetes?

Glomeromycetes form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots called mycorrhizae, where they exchange nutrients and water for sugars. They are essential for the growth and health of many plants.

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How do fungi get their nutrition?

Fungi obtain nutrients by absorbing organic molecules from their surroundings. They secrete enzymes externally to break down food and then absorb the digested products.

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What are some ecological roles of fungi?

Fungi are a diverse group with a wide range of ecological roles, including decomposers, parasites, and mutualists. They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and maintaining ecosystem balance.

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Study Notes

Fungi Introduction

  • Fungi are diverse and widespread, mostly found in soil.
  • They function as decomposers.
  • Fungi are phylogenetically closer to animals than land plants.
  • Molecular analyses place fungi in Opisthokonts within Amorphea, which also includes animals.
  • Fungi and animals share a common ancestor among protists, which was unicellular and had posterior flagella.

Shared, Derived Traits of Fungi

  • Three synapomorphies (shared derived characteristics):
    • Absorptive nutrition
    • Presence of hyphae and mycelium
    • Presence of chitinous cell walls

Absorptive Nutrition

  • Fungi are absorptive chemoheterotrophic eukaryotes meaning they obtain nutrients by absorbing organic molecules from their surroundings.
  • Organic compounds are used for carbon and energy sources.
  • Fungi achieve absorptive heterotrophy through external digestion.
  • Fungi secrete enzymes to break down complex organic molecules (e.g. cellulose and lignin).
  • Simple molecules (e.g., amino acids) are then absorbed.

Anatomy of Fungi

  • Fungi are non-motile.
  • Nutrients are acquired through growth.
  • Most fungi are characterized by numerous hyphae:
    • Cylindrical, branched, multicellular
    • Absorb nutrients
    • Form a network called mycelium within fruiting bodies
  • Unicellular fungi called yeasts do not produce hyphae, having evolved independently multiple times from a hyphae-forming ancestor.

Anatomy of Fungi - Two Types of Internal Arrangements of Hyphae

  • Coenocytic structure: Continuous compartments, no divisions, numerous nuclei dispersed
  • Septate structure: Wall-like structures called septa along with nuclear division.
    • Cytoplasm is divided into separate cells.
    • Pores for movement of molecules and organelles

Reproduction in Fungi

  • Fungi reproduce by creating and dispersing high quantities of spores.
  • Spores can be produced sexually or asexually
  • Different reproduction stages in the life cycle; mitosis for haploid mycelia; meiosis for fruiting bodies (plant spores only undergo meiosis).
  • Spores are the dispersal stage of the life cycle and have cell walls rich in chitin for rigidity and protection.

Life Cycle of Fungi

  • The life cycle resembles that of haploid-dominant eukaryotic organisms.
  • The diploid stage is transient.
  • Fungi have unique steps involving :
    • Plasmogamy (cytoplasm fusion)
    • Karyogamy (nuclei fusion)

Origin of Fungi

  • Fungi and animals are related protists from the opisthokonts and the Amorphea cluster.
  • The opisthokont ancestor of fungi was an aquatic, unicellular, flagellated protist.
  • Molecular phylogenetic analyses suggest:
    • Kingdom Fungi is a monophyletic group.
    • Fungi are closely related to the unicellular, non-flagellated, spherical or flat amoebae (nucleariids).

Phylogeny of Fungi

  • Approximately 100,000 fungal species have been identified, but an estimated 1.5 million species may exist.
  • Fungi likely formed mutualistic relationships with the earliest land plants.
  • Fungi are classified into five phyla:
    • Chytridiomycota (Chytrids)
    • Zygomycota (Zygomycetes)
    • Glomeromycota (Glomeromycetes)
    • Ascomycota (Ascomycetes)
    • Basidiomycota (Basidiomycetes)

Diversity of Fungi – Chytrids

  • Paraphyletic group of about 1000 species that live in aquatic or moist environments.
  • The most basal group of fungi.
  • Characteristics:
    • Motile flagellated asexual spores (zoospores)
    • Absent true mycelium
    • Most are unicellular, others with coenocytic bodies
    • Presence of chitin in cell wall
    • External digestion
    • Ecological roles (decomposers, parasites, mutualists)

Diversity of Fungi – Zygomycetes

  • Paraphyletic group of fungi (<1% of fungal species)
  • Example: Rhizopus stolonifer (black bread mold)
  • Characteristics:
    • Coenocytic hyphae
    • Zygosporangia

Diversity of Fungi – Glomeromycetes

  • Small monophyletic group known for symbiotic relationships with plant roots.
  • Only asexual reproduction through soil spores has been documented.
  • Arbuscular mycorrhizal associations with over 80% of extant plant species.
  • Essential symbiont in facilitating mineral and nutrient exchange.

Diversity of Fungi – Dikarya

  • Monophyletic group including over 98% of fungal species.
  • Characteristics:
    • Septate hyphae
    • Dikaryotic stage occurs after plasmogamy
  • Economic significance:
    • Edible mushroom
    • Yeasts for making bread, beer, cheese.
    • Pathogens.

Diversity of Fungi – Ascomycetes

  • The most diverse group, found in diverse environments (marine, freshwater, terrestrial).
  • Ranges from unicellular yeast to complex multicellular structures.
  • Characteristics:
    • Brief dikaryotic stage with quick plasmogamy and karyogamy.
    • Presence of sac-like sexual spores (asci) within the fruiting body (ascocarp).
    • Asexual reproduction by large quantities of spores (conidia) produced on specialized hyphae (conidiophores).
  • Ecological roles: Decomposers, mutualists, pathogens

Diversity of Fungi – Basidiomycetes

  • Includes many familiar fungi.
  • Produce sexual spores (basidiospores) on specialized structures (basidia).
  • Characteristics:
    • Sexual reproduction is most common but asexual reproduction is also known.
    • Dikaryotic stage is elongated compared to ascomycetes.
    • Presence of club-like structure called basidiocarp
    • "basidium" means pedestal
  • Ecological role: Significant decomposers, especially in lignin breakdown.

Fungi Lifestyles

  • Moulds: Fast-growing, filamentous fungi, reproduce asexually, and form fuzzy growths on organic materials. Common in zygomycetes (e.g., Rhizopus) and ascomycetes (e.g., Penicillium).
  • Yeasts: Unicellular fungi found in liquid or moist environments, reproduce asexually via budding, evolved from hyphae-forming ancestors, can shift between yeast and hyphae forms. Common in ascomycetes (e.g., Saccharomyces) and basidiomycetes.
  • Mycorrhizal fungi: Mutualistic symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots,
    • Ectomycorrhizae: Form fungal sheath, do not invaginate plasma membrane.
    • Endomycorrhizae: Penetrate host cells, form arbuscules and vesicles.
    • Multiple groups contribute to mycorrhizae, including glomeromycetes that form AM associations (with over 85% of vascular plants).

Some Reflective Questions

  • How do fungi fit in the grand evolutionary scheme of life?
  • On a phylogeny, how can we locate the origin of fungi from protists?
  • What are the anatomical and physiological characteristics of fungi?
  • How are fungi classified?
  • How can we identify major groups of fungi?

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Test your knowledge on the phylogenetic classification of fungi and how they obtain nutrients. This quiz covers various aspects of fungal biology, including their structures and ecological roles. Perfect for students studying biology or mycology!

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