Protista and Monera Kingdoms Quiz

Fungi and Photosynthesis

• Fungi lack chlorophyll, the pigment necessary for photosynthesis.
• Chlorophyll enables plants to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy.

Decomposer Fungi

• Decomposer fungi feed on dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, decaying wood, and animal carcasses.
• They break down complex organic molecules into simpler substances, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Fungi Feeding on Living Organisms

• Parasitic fungi obtain nutrients from living organisms, often causing harm to their host.
• An example is the Cordyceps fungus, which infects insects and controls their behavior.

Taxonomy

• Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms into groups based on their shared characteristics.
• It involves naming, describing, and organizing organisms to understand their relationships and evolutionary history.

Fungi vs. Plants

• Fungi are not classified as plants because they lack chlorophyll and cannot produce their food through photosynthesis.
• Fungi have cell walls made of chitin instead of cellulose, which is found in plant cell walls.

Aristotle's Classification

• Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle classified organisms based on their physical characteristics, placing them into two main groups: plants and animals.

Domains of Living Organisms

• The three domains of living organisms are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
• This classification system reflects the evolutionary relationships among organisms at a fundamental level.

Domain Archaea

• Organisms in Domain Archaea are known for their ability to thrive in extreme environments, such as hot springs, highly saline environments, and acidic conditions.
• Their unique biochemistry and genetic makeup set them apart from bacteria and eukaryotes.

Kingdom Fungi

• Fungi are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they obtain nutrients from other sources.
• They are eukaryotic, having cells with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
• Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually, and their bodies are typically composed of thread-like structures called hyphae.

Nutrient Acquisition in Fungi

• Fungi obtain nutrients through absorption.
• They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic molecules into simpler substances, which they then absorb.

Distinguishing Fungi

• Fungi are distinct from plants because they cannot produce their food through photosynthesis.
• They are different from animals because they have rigid cell walls and obtain nutrients by absorption.

Common Infectious Agent

• Candida albicans is a common fungus that can cause infections in humans, such as yeast infections and thrush.
• It typically lives harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes, but can become pathogenic under certain conditions.

Test your knowledge about the unicellular eukaryotes in the Protista kingdom and the prokaryotes in the Monera kingdom, including common bacteria, cyanobacteria, and archaeobacteria. Learn about their characteristics and adaptations to different environments.