Fungi in Dentistry Quiz

What type of fungi is characterized by growing as large single cells and being unicellular?

Which of the following accurately describes the structure of moulds?

What is a defining characteristic of yeasts compared to moulds?

Where are yeasts commonly found?

What health risk is associated with yeast infections?

What feature distinguishes moulds from yeasts in terms of spore production?

Which of the following colours is typically less associated with yeasts compared to moulds?

Which statement about the habitat of moulds is accurate?

Fungi

Fungi are eukaryotic.
Candida is the most important fungus relevant to dentistry.
Fungi are present in 2 structural forms - yeast and mould.
Dimorphic fungi can exist as both yeasts and moulds.

Yeast

Grow as large single cells.
Unicellular organisms.
Exist in many habitats such as fruit, stomachs of mammals, the oral cavity and vaginal areas.
Appear white and thready, usually oval shaped.
Do not have true hyphae, but instead form pseudohyphae which are multicellular structures.
Not a sporing species.
Have a less colourful appearance compared to moulds, generally appearing yellow, creamy, or colourless.
Can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Can cause infections in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Often seen to have lateral projections called daughter cells.
Yeast splits from a mother cell to produce the next generation - known as budding.
Some yeasts reproduce by binary fission.
Pseudohyphae are chains of elongated budding cells.
Candida forms pseudohyphae in the oral cavity.

Mould

Grow as multiple tubular branches.
Multicellular organisms.
Typically found in damp, dark, or humid areas.
Have a fluffy appearance and are found in various shapes.
Have microscopic filaments called hyphae.
Are a sporing type of fungus.
Have a colourful appearance with colours like orange, green, black, brown, pink, or purple.

Test your knowledge on fungi, especially their relevance to dentistry. Learn about different forms of fungi, including yeast and mould, and their characteristics. Discover how these organisms affect health, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.