Fungi Classification and Types

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Questions and Answers

Which division is classified under the evolved fungi?

Chytridiomycota

Glomeromycota

Zygomycota

Ascomycota (correct)

What is the correct ending for the names of fungal classes?

mycella

mycophyta

mycetes (correct)

mycotina

Which of the following is NOT a subgroup of Mucoromycota?

Mucoromycotina

Mortierlomycotina

Basidiomycota (correct)

Glomeromycotina

Which of the following terms refer to the sub-divisions of the fungal kingdom?

Mycotina Signup and view all the answers

Which sub-division is specifically stated to be remembered?

Glomeromycotina Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes?

Eukaryotes possess organelles, while prokaryotes do not. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true about fungi?

They are classified as a monophyletic group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of the Opisthokonta supergroup?

It contains animals, fungi, and their closest relatives. Signup and view all the answers

How do fungi store their carbon reserves?

As glycogen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural macromolecule used by fungi?

Chitin. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics distinguish fungi from photosynthetic organisms?

They are heterotrophic and lack photosynthetic pigments. Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows fungi to absorb nutrients from their environment?

Osmotrophy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is NOT involved in the extracellular digestion of fungi?

Lactases Signup and view all the answers

What type of nutrients do fungi primarily absorb from their environment?

Simple sugars and small carbon molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about fungi is true?

They secrete enzymes for extracellular digestion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal pH range for mushroom growth?

5-6 Signup and view all the answers

Which two conditions are mushrooms particularly tolerant of?

Acidic pH and low oxygen levels Signup and view all the answers

What unique biosynthetic pathway do mushrooms utilize?

Lysine synthesis via α-aminoadipate Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of vacuoles in mushrooms?

They are involved in cellular homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal temperature range for mushroom growth?

18-22°C Signup and view all the answers

Which compound is NOT able to pass through the fungal membrane?

Macromolecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of enzymes secreted by fungi?

They facilitate the digestion of complex substances. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is unique to the biosynthesis of lysine in fungi?

It uses a-amino-adipate pathway. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is NOT classified as a macro-element for fungi?

Iron Signup and view all the answers

What function do vacuoles serve in fungal cells?

Homeostasis maintenance Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Fungi

Two main types exist: unicellular (yeasts) and filamentous fungi.

Classification of Fungi

Fungi are positioned in the three domains of life: Eukaryotes, Archaea, and Bacteria.
Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and organelles, whereas eukaryotes have a defined nucleus and organelles such as mitochondria and Golgi apparatus.
Fungi are a monophyletic group within the Opisthokonta super-kingdom, indicating they share a common ancestor distinct from other groups.

Evolutionary Relationships

Major branches in the eukaryotic evolutionary tree:
- Excavata: Often have a feeding groove.
- Amoebozoa: Recognized for amoeboid movement.
- Opisthokonta: Includes fungi, animals, and slime molds.
- SAR: Encompasses Stramenopiles, Alveolata, and Rhizaria.
- Archaeplastida: Contains plants and algal relatives.
- Unikonta: Defined by possessing a single flagellum.

Organization of Fungal Kingdom

Organisms classified into divisions ending with "mycota":
- Chytridiomycota
- Mucoromycota (formerly Zygomycota) with three subdivisions:
  - Glomeromycotina
  - Mucoromycotina
  - Mortierlomycotina
- Advanced divisions:
  - Ascomycota
  - Basidiomycota (part of the sub-kingdom "Dikarya")

General Characteristics of Fungi

Eukaryotic organisms; can be unicellular (like yeasts) or multicellular (like filamentous fungi).
Lack plastids and photosynthetic pigments, making them heterotrophic for carbon.
Nutritional mode is osmotrophic, absorbing dissolved organic substances through cell membranes via extracellular digestion using hydrolytic enzymes.
Small carbon molecules can be absorbed, while larger complexes require enzymatic breakdown.

Nutrition Requirements

Macro-elements: Phosphate, sulfate, potassium, magnesium, calcium.
Micro-elements: Zinc, manganese, iron, molybdenum.
Growth factors: Essential vitamins.
Water is vital for absorption of small organic carbon compounds and nitrogen sources.

Cellular Structure and Metabolism

Fungal cell walls are rich in chitin.
Glycogen is the primary storage polysaccharide.
Unique lysine biosynthesis pathway via α-aminoadipate, seen only in fungi.
Presence of vacuoles aids cellular homeostasis (maintaining water, ionic balance, and pH).

Fungal Tolerance and Growth

Fungi demonstrate considerable tolerance to various environmental conditions:
- Acidic pH levels optimal at 5-6.
- Temperature tolerance ranges from 4°C to 37°C; optimal growth occurs around 18-22°C.
- Adaptation to low oxygen conditions, capable of surviving in environments with as little as 0.2% oxygen compared to the 20% found in air.

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Description

This quiz explores the classification of fungi, highlighting the two main types: unicellular yeasts and filamentous fungi. It also discusses their position in the tree of life and the characteristics of eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes.