Biology 2: Reproduction in Prokaryotes, Protists, and Fungi

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering the reproductive strategies of prokaryotes, protists, and fungi based on Biology 2 lecture notes.

Binary fission

An asexual mode of reproduction common among prokaryotes wherein offspring produced are the exact clones of the parent organism, sharing the same genetic material and traits.

FtsZ

Pertaining to filamentous temperature-sensitive mutant Z, these are proteins that direct the division of the nucleoid or genetic material during binary fission.

Conjugation (Bacterial)

A process of Gene Transfer (GT) whereby prokaryotes exchange genetic material, such as plasmids, through a sex pilus to achieve genetic variation.

Baeocytes

Numerous offspring produced by the cyanobacterium Staniera sp. through a series of cytoplasmic fissions emerging from one singular parent cell.

Epulopsicium spp. reproduction

A strategy where unequal cell division results in a mother cell with $2$ small offspring cells at both ends that are eventually engulfed by the mother cell before emerging.

Sexual Reproduction features

Requires two essential features: the existence of gametes or opposing mating types in haploid forms ($n$) formed through meiosis and the fusing of these gametes ($\text{fertilization}$) to form a diploid zygote ($2n$).

Multiple Fission

An asexual mode of reproduction where a parent organism divides into several daughter cells, as seen in Amoeba and Plasmodium.

Plasmotomy

A reproductive method in multinucleated protists, like Opalina, where offspring are produced through cytoplasmic divisions without any nuclear divisions.

Spore Formation (Protists)

A strategy used during unfavorable conditions where protists like slime molds form spores with protective capsules that germinate into new individuals.

Syngamy

A sexual reproductive strategy involving the complete fusion of gametes to result in a diploid zygote.

Isogamy

A form of syngamy involving the fusion of $2$ similar gametes, as seen in Monocystis.

Anisogamy

A form of syngamy involving the fusion of $2$ dissimilar gametes, as seen in Ceratium.

Oogamy

A form of syngamy where large non-motile gametes are fertilized by smaller motile ones, as seen in Plasmodium.

Conjugation (Protists)

The temporary union of $2$ individuals to exchange haploid pronuclear materials to form a zygote nucleus, common in Paramecium.

Agaricus bisporus

The scientific name for the common button mushroom, a multicellular fungus that utilizes both sexual and asexual reproduction.

Fragmentation

An asexual reproduction mode in multicellular fungi where sections of hyphae grow into new individuals.

Mitotic Spores

Asexual reproductive units in fungi, specifically conidiospores and sporangiospores, used for propagation.

Homothallic

Fungal mating types that are self-fertile because they are present in the same mycelium.

Heterothallic

Fungal mating types that originate from different yet compatible mycelia.

Plasmogamy

The first vital process in fungal sexual reproduction involving the fusion of mycelia cytoplasm.

Karyogamy

The second vital process in fungal sexual reproduction involving the fusion of haploid nuclei to form a diploid zygote nucleus.

Gametangia

The structures in fungi where gametes of different mating types are produced before being released as haploid spores.