Microbiology and Parasitology Chapter 2: Fungi

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to fungi as discussed in the lecture notes.

Fungi

A group of eukaryotic organisms that cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis and obtain nutrients from other organic sources.

Hyphae

Thread-like structures that make up the mycelium of fungi, facilitating nutrient absorption.

Mycelium

A mass of hyphae that forms the vegetative part of a fungus, typically hidden within the substrate.

Chitin

A complex carbohydrate that makes up the cell walls of fungi, distinguishing them from plants and animals.

Asexual reproduction

A mode of reproduction in which spores are produced without the fusion of gametes.

Sexual reproduction

A form of reproduction involving the fusion of gametes to form a zygote.

Saprophytic fungi

Fungi that decompose dead organic matter, recycling nutrients in ecosystems.

Parasitic fungi

Fungi that infect living hosts, potentially causing disease.

Mutualistic fungi

Fungi that form beneficial relationships with other organisms, such as mycorrhizae with plant roots.

Chytridiomycota

The most primitive group of fungi, often aquatic and characterized by motile spores.

Zygomycota

Fungi that produce zygospores and include molds like Rhizopus stolonifer.

Ascomycota

Fungi known as sac fungi that produce spores in sac-like structures called asci.

Basidiomycota

Fungi that produce spores on club-shaped structures, including mushrooms and rusts.

Glomeromycota

Fungi that form arbuscular mycorrhizal associations with plant roots.

Rhizopus stolonifer

Commonly known as black bread mold, this fungus serves as a saprophytic mold.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Known as brewer's yeast, it is used in baking, brewing, and winemaking.

Agaricus bisporus

Also known as the button mushroom, it is one of the most widely cultivated edible fungi.

Penicillium chrysogenum

Fungi known for producing penicillin, used as an antibiotic.

Aspergillus niger

Known as black mold, this fungus can spoil food and is associated with industrial applications.

Candida albicans

A pathogenic yeast responsible for yeast infections in humans.

Puccinia graminis

A fungal disease that causes stem rust in cereal crops.

Ustilago maydis

A dimorphic plant-pathogenic fungus responsible for corn smut.

Cell wall

Protective outer covering of fungi composed mainly of chitin and other polysaccharides.

Ecological roles of fungi

Fungi play crucial roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and forming symbiotic relationships.

Pathogenicity

The ability of a fungus to cause disease in a host organism.

Host specificity

The tendency of a fungal pathogen to infect specific species or types of plants.

Fungal spores

Reproductive units of fungi that can be dispersed into the environment.