Lecture Review – Fungi, Pathogens & Human Health

These flashcards cover key vocabulary from the lecture, focusing on fungal ecology and pathology, viral structure, types of diseases, bacterial characteristics, and public-health measures.

Saprotrophism

Mode of nutrition in which organisms obtain food by decomposing dead or dying organic matter.

Brown Rot

Fungal decay that digests cellulose, leaving lignin and a brown residue in about 25 % of the cell wall.

White Rot

Fungal decay that digests lignin, leaving a bleached appearance from undigested cellulose.

Basidiomycota

Phylum of fungi noted as the most efficient saprotrophs, capable of extensive wood decomposition.

Fungal Phototropism

Growth response in which fungi orient structures (e.g., spore-bearing bodies) toward light to enhance spore dispersal.

Symbiosis (Fungi)

Close association where fungi exchange nutrients or protection with another organism; ~90 % of fungi form such relationships.

Mycorrhiza

Mutualistic association between fungal hyphae and plant roots that enhances nutrient and water uptake.

Ectomycorrhizae

Type of mycorrhiza in which fungal hyphae surround and penetrate between root cells but do not enter them.

Lichen

Stable mutualistic composite of fungi and algae (or cyanobacteria) that colonizes harsh surfaces and aids soil formation.

Mycoses

Diseases caused by fungi; classified as superficial, subcutaneous, or systemic.

Plant Pathogen (Fungal)

Fungus that infects plants, causing diseases such as smuts, rusts, spots, and rots.

Cordyceps

Genus of host-specific parasitic fungi known for infecting and controlling insects or other arthropods.

Chytridiomycosis

Fungal skin disease in amphibians that disrupts water and electrolyte balance, often lethal to frogs.

Mycotoxin

Toxic metabolic product produced by certain fungi that can cause disease in plants, animals, or humans.

Superficial Mycoses

Fungal infections limited to outer skin or hair layers.

Subcutaneous Mycoses

Fungal infections that penetrate beneath the skin, affecting deeper tissues.

Systemic Mycoses

Fungal infections that spread throughout the body, often via the bloodstream.

Microbiome

Collection of microorganisms living on or in an organism, contributing to digestion, immunity, and protection.

Virus

Non-living infectious particle composed of nucleic acid encased in a protein shell (capsid); lacks cellular structure or independent metabolism.

Capsid

Protein shell of a virus that encloses and protects its genetic material.

Viral Sheath

Contractile structure surrounding some bacteriophage tail tubes, aiding genome delivery into host cells.

Tail Fibers

Protein appendages on certain viruses that recognize and attach to host cell surfaces.

Viral Envelope

Lipid membrane surrounding some viruses (e.g., influenza), derived from host cell membranes.

Incubation Period

Time between pathogen exposure and onset of symptoms; varies among diseases (e.g., COVID-19: 2–14 days).

Measles (Rubeola)

Highly contagious viral disease transmitted via airborne droplets; symptoms appear 7–14 days post-infection; prevented by MMR vaccine.

Genetic Disease

Illness caused by inherited mutations, such as sickle-cell anemia or cystic fibrosis.

Environmental Disease

Condition resulting from exposure to external toxins or hazards, e.g., asbestos-induced lung disease.

Infectious Disease

Illness spread by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Disease

Set of signs and symptoms that disrupt normal body function.

Infection

Process in which a pathogen enters, multiplies, and establishes itself in a host.

Pathogen

Any disease-causing organism, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.

Host

Organism that harbors and is adversely affected by a pathogen.

Virulence

Degree of pathogenic severity produced by an organism.

Genetic Predisposition

Inherited tendency that raises the likelihood of developing a particular disease (e.g., BRCA1/2 and breast cancer).

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Bacteria with thick peptidoglycan cell walls that retain crystal-violet stain; classification guides antibiotic choice.

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Bacteria with thin peptidoglycan and an outer membrane; stain pink and often display different antibiotic sensitivities.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Movement of genetic material between organisms other than by descent, often spreading antibiotic resistance.

Streptococcus pyogenes

Gram-positive bacterium causing strep throat and other pyogenic infections.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, a serious pulmonary disease.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, characterized by severe coughing fits.

Vaccination

Administration of antigenic material to stimulate adaptive immunity and prevent disease.

Antiviral Drug

Medication designed to inhibit replication of viruses (e.g., treatments for cold sores).

Antimicrobial Drug

Substance that kills or inhibits growth of microorganisms, including antibiotics and antifungals.

Disinfectant

Chemical applied to non-living surfaces to destroy microorganisms (e.g., bleach, alcohol).

Sanitizer

Antiseptic applied to living tissue to reduce microbial load (e.g., hydrogen peroxide).

Detergent (Stain Remover)

Enzyme-based cleaning agent that breaks down macromolecules; not primarily for killing microbes.

Deodorizer

Product that masks or neutralizes odors; may not possess antimicrobial properties unless combined with a biocide.

Quarantine

Restriction of movement of individuals or goods to prevent spread of infectious disease.

Mosquito Net

Physical barrier that reduces vector-borne disease transmission, such as malaria.

Mycosis Example: Corn Smut

Edible fungal disease of corn caused by Ustilago maydis, illustrating plant mycoses.