UPDATED F1: FUNGI

Fungi

diverse eukaryotic spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter

Eukaryote

organism with a true nucleus

Saprophytic fungi

feed on dead and decaying organic matter (decomposers)

Parasitic fungi

fungi that live on or inside a host and depend on it for food

Beneficial fungi

fungi used in food

Mycology

study of fungi

Chitin

rigid substance in fungal cell walls

Peptidoglycan

cell wall material in bacteria

Yeast

unicellular fungus that reproduces by budding

Mold

multicellular fungus with hyphae

Hyphae

tubular filaments that make up fungi

Mycelium

network of hyphae

Septate hyphae

hyphae with cross walls (septa)

Aseptate hyphae

hyphae without cross walls

Spores

reproductive units of fungi similar to seeds

Asexual reproduction in fungi

formation of spores by mitosis or budding

Sexual reproduction in fungi

fusion of two nuclei or gametes

Extracellular digestion

enzymes released outside body to break down food

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

yeast used in bread

Candida albicans

normal flora that can cause opportunistic infections

Indigenous microbiota

normal microorganisms living in the body

Saprophyte

organism that feeds on dead organic matter

Dimorphic fungi

fungi that exist as yeast or mold depending on temperature

37°C form of dimorphic fungi

yeast form in body temperature

25°C form of dimorphic fungi

mold form in room temperature

Fleshy fungi

mushrooms found in forests

Mycoses

fungal infections in humans

Direct transmission

spread by skin contact with infected person

Indirect transmission

spread via contaminated objects (fomites)

Inhalation transmission

breathing fungal spores into lungs

Fungal disease mechanism

tissue invasion and inflammatory response cause damage

Penicillium

fungus used to produce penicillin antibiotic

Chlorophyll

pigment fungi lack

Immunocompromised

condition where immune system is weakened

Conidia

asexual spores produced by fungi

Germination

process where spores grow into new fungi