Fungi Reproduction and Laboratory Diagnosis

What type of spores are produced in a sporangium?

Which structure develops from a supporting structure termed a sporangiophore?

What is the storage condition recommended for respiratory tract specimens before processing?

Which organelle do fungi possess?

How do yeasts reproduce?

What is a characteristic of molds' cell walls?

Which factor is necessary for the growth of most fungi?

What is the structure that produces asexual spores in fungi?

Which type of reproduction is characterized by the joining of two compatible nuclei followed by meiosis?

What is the main characteristic of Mucorales' aerial mycelium?

What is the supporting structure for the development of a sporangium?

What is the purpose of adding 10-20% KOH solution to skin, hair, nails, and tissue samples?

What is the purpose of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the direct microscopic examination of specimens?

What does Calcofluor White binding to polysaccharides in chitin walls of fungus result in?

What is the disadvantage of using India Ink (routine) for examining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?

Fungal Reproductive Structures

Sporangium Spores: Produces asexual spores, commonly called sporangiospores.
Sporangiophore: A specialized structure that supports the sporangium, facilitating spore development.
Asexual Spores Structure: The conidiophore is responsible for producing asexual spores known as conidia.

Fungi Growth and Conditions

Respiratory Tract Specimens: Recommended to be stored at room temperature before processing to maintain viability.
Necessary Growth Factor: Moisture is essential for the growth of most fungi.

Fungal Characteristics

Fungi Organelles: Possess organelles known as mitochondria, which are key for energy production.
Yeast Reproduction: Primarily reproduce asexually via budding, where a new organism forms from the parent.
Molds' Cell Walls: Characterized by the presence of chitin, providing structural integrity.

Reproductive Processes

Sexual Reproduction: Involves the joining of two compatible nuclei, followed by meiosis, resulting in genetic variation.
Aerial Mycelium of Mucorales: Known for its rapid growth and dense structure, usually appearing fuzzy.

Sample Processing Techniques

KOH Solution Use: Adding 10-20% potassium hydroxide helps to clear and digest keratin in skin, hair, nails, and tissue samples, easing fungal identification.
DMSO Purpose: Dimethyl sulfoxide serves as a solvent to facilitate the penetration of other reagents during microscopic examination of specimens.
Calcofluor White: Binds to polysaccharides in chitin walls of fungi, aiding in fluorescence microscopy to detect fungal elements.

Disadvantages of India Ink

India Ink Use in CSF Examination: Using India Ink (routine) can produce artifacts, complicating the accurate observation of cryptococcal capsular outlines in cerebrospinal fluid samples.

This quiz covers the reproduction of fungi, focusing on the production of asexual spores and the structure of sporangium. It also includes topics related to the laboratory diagnosis of fungi, such as safety issues, specimen collection, handling, and storage.