Fungi Structure and Mycoses - Flashcards PDF

Question 1: What are fungi classified as in terms of cell type? Answer 1: Fungi are unique eukaryotes. Question 2: How many species of fungi are estimated to exist? Answer 2: It is estimated that there are between 1.5 to 2 million species of fungi. Question 3: What is the role of fungi as s...

Question 1: What are fungi classified as in terms of cell type? Answer 1: Fungi are unique eukaryotes. Question 2: How many species of fungi are estimated to exist? Answer 2: It is estimated that there are between 1.5 to 2 million species of fungi. Question 3: What is the role of fungi as saprophytes? Answer 3: Fungi primarily act as decomposers, breaking down dead animal and plant materials and providing nutrients for living plants. Question 4: What beneficial relationship do fungi have with green plants? Answer 4: Fungi often form mycorrhizal relationships with the roots of green plants, helping them to better absorb water, phosphates, and other essential minerals. Question 5: What are lichens, and how are they formed? Answer 5: Lichens are symbiotic relationships between fungi and cyanobacteria or green algae, resulting in crusty growths on surfaces like trees and rocks. Question 6: What are some examples of food products that utilize fungi? Answer 6: Fungi are used in the production of bread, wine, beer, cheese, and edible mushrooms. Question 7: What is a significant health risk posed by fungi, especially to certain populations? Answer 7: Fungi have become leading pathogens, particularly among immunocompromised patients, causing infections that range from superficial to invasive. Question 8: What are the two main forms of fungal structure? Answer 8: The two main forms of fungi are yeasts (unicellular) and filamentous fungi (multicellular strands called hyphae). Question 9: What are the key components of the fungal cell wall? Answer 9: The fungal cell wall is mainly composed of polysaccharides, including chitin, glucans, and mannans. Question 10: What is the function of ergosterol in fungal cell membranes? Answer 10: Ergosterol is a key component that helps to regulate the structural integrity of fungal cell membranes, and it is a target for certain antifungal drugs.