Fungi, Mycology, and Related Concepts

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key fungal concepts, organisms, and related terms from the notes.

Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms with true nuclei and membrane-bound organelles that possess a cell wall; includes yeasts and molds.

Mycology

The scientific study of fungi.

Eukaryotic cell

A cell with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Fungal cell wall

The protective outer layer of fungi, distinct from bacterial cell walls, typically containing polysaccharides like chitin.

Yeast

Unicellular fungi; examples include Candida albicans and Saccharomyces.

Candida albicans

A common yeast that is part of the normal human microbiome but can cause yeast infections when balance is disrupted.

Saccharomyces

A common yeast used in beer, wine, and bread production; generally not pathogenic in humans.

Microbiome

The community of microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, viruses, etc.) living in and on the human body, contributing to health and protection.

Normal flora

Microorganisms that are typically present in the body, such as Candida albicans, under normal conditions.

Yeast infection

Overgrowth of Candida albicans causing infection, often in moist areas.

Multicellular fungi

Fungi composed of many cells, such as molds.

Molds

Multicellular, fuzzy-appearing fungi that can produce spores and may cause infections in some people.

Aspergillus niger

A mold whose airborne spores can cause opportunistic infections in susceptible individuals.

Opportunistic infection

An infection that occurs when the host's defenses are compromised or exposure allows infection.

Cutaneous infections

Fungal infections of the skin, such as athlete's foot and ringworm.

Athlete's foot

A common fungal skin infection of the feet.

Ringworm

A fungal skin infection presenting as ring-shaped rashes; not an actual worm.

Puffballs/mushrooms

Visible forms of fungi commonly seen in nature, representing macroscopic fungi.

Airborne spores

Fungal spores that can travel through the air and be inhaled, potentially causing infection in sensitive individuals.