Fungi Overview and Cell Biology

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that can be either single-celled (yeasts) or multicellular (molds). They reproduce through budding, hyphal growth, or spore production.

Armillaria solidipes, also known as the honey mushroom, is a parasitic fungus that can infect and kill trees. It's notable for forming massive underground networks.

The largest known individual organism is a single honey mushroom (Armillaria solidipes) found in Oregon, spanning over 2.4 miles.

Candida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that is part of the normal human flora. However, it can cause infections like thrush, particularly when the body's balance is disrupted.

Lichens are composite organisms formed by a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae. The fungus provides a structure, while the algae provides food through photosynthesis.

Chytridiomycosis is a fungal disease that affects frogs worldwide, caused by the fungus Batrachochytridium dendrobatidis. The fungus attacks the frog's skin, leading to death.

Batrachochytridium dendrobatidis, the causal agent of chytridiomycosis, is a chytrid fungus that infects frogs. It spreads through contact with infected frogs or their environment.

Fungi that are single-celled and reproduce by budding.

Fungi that form long, branching filaments called hyphae.

A type of filamentous fungus that causes potato blight, a disease affecting potato plants.

A common type of filamentous fungus found on bread, often referred to as bread mold.

A group of fungi that includes edible mushrooms like Agaricus spp., which are commonly known as button mushrooms.

A species of fungus belonging to the Basidiomycetes group that is considered poisonous.

A type of yeast belonging to the Ascomycetes group, commonly used in bread making and brewing.

A group of fungi that includes a variety of fungal species, some causing human diseases like athlete's foot, caused by Trichophyton spp.

A complex organic polymer found in plant cell walls, providing structural support.

A type of fungi known for its ability to break down lignin, often found in decaying wood.

A specific species of white-rot fungus commonly studied for its lignin degradation capabilities.

Conditions such as nitrogen levels, moisture content, and temperature that influence the growth and activity of white-rot fungi.

A type of fungal relationship where the fungus benefits at the expense of the host organism, causing disease.

Fungi that live within plants, sometimes causing disease but also providing benefits like pest resistance.

The ability of pathogenic organisms to cause disease, often involving factors that help them infect and harm the host.

A type of interaction where one organism (usually a fungus) negatively impacts the metabolism and health of another organism (often a plant).

Fungal structures that resemble those on the underside of mushrooms. They are designed for spore dispersal via wind or animal contact. They erupt from fungal threads (hyphae) that grow through the tree's tissue and break through the bark.

Cordyceps fungi can manipulate the behavior of their insect hosts. This extreme example of natural selection helps the fungus by ensuring the insect dies in a position ideal for spore dispersal.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms. They have cell walls but are different from plants in composition. They are classified into yeasts (single-celled) and filamentous (multicellular). Each type has its own unique reproductive cycle.

Fungi can acquire nutrients from dead organic matter (saprophytic) or by obtaining nutrients from living hosts (parasitic).

Fungi play a crucial role in different habitats. Understanding their relationship with specific environments, particularly in your field of study, is vital.

A type of fungus that reproduces by budding. It is a commensal member of the human microbiota but can cause infections such as thrush.

A yeast that reproduces through budding, creating a smaller daughter cell. These yeasts can be found in the human body and can cause various diseases.

Long, cylindrical structures that make up the body of filamentous fungi. They are connected to form a network called mycelium.

A network of interconnected hyphae that forms the main body of filamentous fungi.

Single-celled reproductive units produced by fungi. They are typically smaller than hyphae and can be dispersed by wind or water.

A common type of filamentous fungus that can cause respiratory infections in humans.

A fungal infection of the skin that can cause itchy, scaly patches, often found between the toes.