Mycology: Ascomycota and Notable Genera
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Questions and Answers

What type of spores do Chytridiomycota produce during their life cycle?

  • Basidiospores
  • Zygospores
  • Ascospores
  • Motile spores with flagella (correct)

    • Which type of fungi forms zygospores as part of its reproductive process?

  • Zygomycota (correct)
  • Chytridiomycota
  • Ascomycota
  • Basidiomycota

    • What ecological role do lichens serve related to air quality?

  • Indicate soil fertility
  • Support fungal reproduction
  • Facilitate water retention
  • Monitor air pollution (correct)

    • Which of the following is a harmful effect caused by fungi?

    <p>Production of aflatoxins in food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of fungi is characterized by producing spores on club-shaped structures?

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

    What characterizes fungi as eukaryotes?

    <p>They possess a true nucleus and organelles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following compounds make up the cell walls of fungi?

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

    Which describes the nutritional strategy of fungi?

    <p>Fungi absorb food from other organic sources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of heterotrophs are fungi that decompose dead tissues?

    <p>Saprobes/Saprophytes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a known method of fungal reproduction?

    <p>Binary fission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary ecological role of fungi as decomposers?

    <p>They enhance soil nutrient availability by breaking down organic matter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of diversity, how many species of fungi are currently estimated to exist?

    <p>Between 69,000 to 100,000 species, possibly up to 1.5 million.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component distinguishes hyphae from other fungal structures?

    <p>They are tubular structures that can be multinucleate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary type of reproduction utilized by Deuteromycota?

    <p>Asexual reproduction through spores</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ecological role of mycorrhizae?

    <p>Facilitators of nutrient and water uptake for plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of fungi is characterized by sexual reproduction occurring in sac-like structures?

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

    Which of the following are notable members of Basidiomycota?

    <p>Mushrooms and puffballs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes lichens from other types of fungi?

    <p>They form a mutualistic relationship with algae or cyanobacteria</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the mycelia of Basidiomycota typically differ from those of other fungal groups?

    <p>They are long-lived and dikaryotic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What form do the asexual spores of fungi in the Deuteromycota typically take?

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

    Which type of fungi is known for having a significant role as plant parasites?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Notable Genera

    • Mucor and Rhizopus: Commonly found on food items such as bread and strawberries.

    Ascomycota ("Sac Fungi")

    • Sexual Reproduction: Occurs in sac-like structures known as asci.
    • Asexual Reproduction: Frequently observed alongside sexual methods.
    • Ecological Role: Acts as decomposers and pathogens, with many forming lichens.
    • Notable Members: Includes cup fungi, morels, and truffles.
    • Plant Parasites: Many species are significant plant pathogens.

    Basidiomycota ("Club Fungi")

    • Sexual Reproduction: Occurs in structures called basidia.
    • Asexual Reproduction: Less common compared to Ascomycota.
    • Long-lived Mycelia: Characterized by persistent dikaryotic mycelia (n+n).
    • Ecological Role: Acts as important decomposers and plant parasites.
    • Notable Members: Includes mushrooms, polypores, puffballs, rusts, and smuts.

    Deuteromycota ("Imperfect Fungi")

    • Characteristics: Fungi that rarely or never reproduce sexually.
    • Reproduction: Primarily using asexual spores.

    Specialized Fungal Relationships

    • Mycorrhizae ("Fungus Roots"): Mutualistic relationships between fungi and plant roots.
      • Zygomycota: Hyphae invade root cells directly.
      • Ascomycota & Basidiomycota: Hyphae invade roots but do not penetrate cells.
      • Ecological Importance: Vital for nutrient and water uptake in plants.
    • Lichens: Symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.
      • Types:
        • Crustose: Crust-like, tightly bound to substrate.
        • Foliose: Leaf-like, flat sheets not tightly bound.
        • Fruticose: Finely branched, free-standing or hanging structures.

    Characteristics of Fungi

    • Eukaryotic Nature: Fungi consist of eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus and organelles.
    • Cell Wall Composition: Made primarily of chitin and sometimes cellulose.
    • Food Storage: Store nutrients as lipids and glycogen.
    • Environmental Requirements: Need water and oxygen; can thrive in various habitats with organic matter.
    • Diversity: Estimated between 69,000 and 100,000 described species, with potential total species around 1.5 million.

    Body Structure

    • Hyphae: Tubular structures forming the basic unit of fungi; multinucleate with walls of chitin.
      • Crosswalls (Septae): Can form compartments within hyphae.
    • Mycelium: An aggregate of hyphae that constitutes the vegetative part of fungi.
    • Sclerotium: A hardened mass of mycelium used for overwintering.
    • Multicellular Forms: Include mycelial cords, rhizomorphs, and fruiting bodies like mushrooms.

    Fungal Growth and Nutrition

    • Heterotrophy: Fungi absorb nutrients from other organic sources.
      • Types of Heterotrophs:
        • Saprophytes/Saprobes: Decompose dead tissues or organic waste.
        • Symbionts: Form mutualistic relationships (e.g., mycorrhizae).
      • Pollution Indicators: Lichens are sensitive to air pollution, useful for environmental monitoring.

    Human-Fungi Interactions

    • Beneficial Effects:
      • Decomposition: Recycling of nutrients and carbon.
      • Biosynthesis: Production of drugs, antibiotics, alcohol, and fermented foods.
      • Model Organisms: Used for genetic and biochemical research.
    • Harmful Effects:
      • Destruction: Damage to food, lumber, and textiles.
      • Diseases: Cause human and animal infections, including allergies.
      • Toxins: Production of harmful substances in food (e.g., aflatoxins).
      • Plant Diseases: Many fungi are key contributors to serious plant illnesses.

    Fungal Life Cycles

    • Chytridiomycota: Features motile spores that swim using flagella.
    • Zygomycota: Formation of a zygospore after hyphal fusion from different mating types.
    • Ascomycota: Production of ascospores within asci during sexual reproduction.
    • Basidiomycota: Generation of basidiospores on club-shaped basidia structures.

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    WEEK 13 - FUNGI.docx

    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of Ascomycota, known as sac fungi. This quiz delves into their sexual and asexual reproduction, significant genera like Mucor and Rhizopus, and their vital ecological roles as decomposers and pathogens. Test your knowledge on these essential fungi!

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