Mycology Lecture Notes

Lipids are a type of organic carbon source, meaning they are compounds that contain carbon and are derived from living organisms.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms. This means they have a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Many fungi can survive without oxygen, but they thrive better when oxygen is present. They are considered facultative anaerobes.

Fungi cannot produce their own food and need to obtain it from other organisms, like plants or animals.

All fungi obtain their carbon source from pre-existing organic compounds, meaning they can't create their own carbon like plants.

The majority of fungi naturally reside in the environment, often thriving in places like soil and decaying organic matter.

Fungi that can exist in two forms depending on temperature: a yeast form at body temperature (37°C) and a mold form at lower temperatures.

Infection caused by a fungus.

Fungal infections that primarily affect the outer layer of skin, hair, and nails.

Infections caused by fungi that can spread deeper into the body, affecting organs and tissues.

Fungal infections that primarily affect the skin, hair, and nails, but can also spread to other areas.

Fungal infections that affect the deepest layer of the skin, often involving internal organs.

A group of organisms that are not plants or animals, and belong to the Eukarya domain.

A condition caused by a fungal infection.

Sabouraud Agar is designed to isolate and grow fungi by creating favorable conditions for fungal growth, while making bacterial growth unfavorable.

Sabouraud Agar has a lower pH (around 5.6) compared to most other culture media. This lower pH favors fungal growth and inhibits the growth of most bacteria.

The lower pH of Sabouraud Agar hinders the growth of bacteria, making it easier to observe and isolate fungal cultures.

A lower pH creates a more acidic environment, which is more hospitable to most fungi and inhibits the growth of many bacteria.

By using Sabouraud Agar, researchers can more easily study and identify fungi by minimizing the competition from bacteria, leading to more accurate fungal isolation and analysis.

Aflatoxin is a potent toxin produced by certain types of fungi (mold). It is known for its serious effects on the liver, potentially leading to liver failure and even death.

Immune mechanism against fungal infections often involve neutrophils, white blood cells that respond to fungal threats. These cells are key in forming pus (suppuration) at the site of infection.

Fungi can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals, like Aflatoxin. These toxins can damage vital organs, including the vital liver.

Suppuration, commonly referred to as pus formation, is a sign of inflammation caused by infection. The buildup of pus indicates a strong immune response trying to contain the infection.

The presence of neutrophils in the exudate, or fluid released from the body during inflammation, signals a strong inflammatory response against an infection, usually bacterial or fungal.