Fungi Diversity

A collection of key vocabulary terms and definitions related to fungi diversity, its structure, reproduction, nutrition, and ecological significance.

Mycology

The study of fungi.

Heterotrophic

Organisms that obtain carbon from consuming organic material.

Hyphae

Long, thin filaments that compose the body of fungi.

Mycelium

A network of hyphae that forms the main body of a fungus.

Chitin

The material that makes up the cell walls of fungi.

Coenocytic Hypha

Hyphae without cross walls, resulting in multinucleate cells.

Septate Hypha

Hyphae with cross walls between cells.

Ploidy

The number of sets of chromosomes in a cell.

Haploid

A cell with a single set of unpaired chromosomes (N).

Diploid

A cell with two sets of chromosomes (2N).

Heterokaryotic

A condition in which cells contain two genetically different nuclei (N+N).

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction that involves the production of haploid spores by mitosis.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of cells from different mating strains.

Zygosporangium

A sexual reproductive structure formed by the fusion of hyphae in Zygomycetes.

Ectomycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between fungi and the roots of plants.

Lichens

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and photosynthetic organisms (like algae or cyanobacteria).

Saprophytic Fungi

Fungi that decompose dead organic matter.

Antibiotics

Chemicals produced by fungi to inhibit bacterial growth.

Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

A pathogenic chytrid fungus responsible for declines in amphibian populations.

St. Anthony’s Fire

A term for the symptoms caused by Ergot infections, which includes seizures and psychosis.