24-25 Microbe Mission Varsity

Heterotrophic eukaryotes

Organisms that obtain nutrients from other sources.

Opisthokonts

Group including fungi and animals with a common ancestor.

Chytrids

Fungi with flagellated spores, part of Chytridiomycota.

Eumycota

Clade of true fungi, includes 13 recognized phyla.

Ascomycota

Phylum of fungi known for sac-like structures.

Basidiomycota

Phylum of fungi known for club-like structures.

Chytridiomycota

Phylum of fungi with flagellated spores.

Glomeromycota

Phylum of fungi forming symbiotic relationships with plants.

Zygomycota

Phylum of fungi known for sexual reproduction via zygospores.

Cell walls

Fungal cell walls made of chitin, unlike plants.

Chitin

Polysaccharide made from N-acetylglucosamine monomers.

Chemoheterotrophic

Organisms that obtain energy and carbon from organic sources.

Extracellular digestion

Process where fungi secrete enzymes to digest food externally.

Hyphae

Thread-like filaments making up the structure of fungi.

Septa

Internal walls dividing hyphae into cells.

Coenocytic hyphae

Hyphae that are multinucleated and not divided by septa.

Sporocarp

Multicellular structure where spore-producing structures form.

Dimorphic fungi

Fungi that can exist in unicellular or multicellular forms.

Ergosterol

Main sterol in fungal membranes, targeted by antifungals.

Mycosis

Any disease caused by a fungus.

Fruiting body

Structure for spore production in the sexual phase.

Hydrolyze ATP

Process of breaking down ATP to release energy.

Chemiosmotic gradient

Difference in proton concentration across membranes for transport.

Polycyclic lipids

Sterols that maintain membrane fluidity in fungi.

Glycoproteins

Proteins modified with sugar molecules in cell walls.

Mannans

Sugars found in fungal cell walls, alongside chitin.

Sphingolipids

Type of lipid found in fungal cell membranes.

Glycerophospholipids

Major component of fungal cell membranes.

Fungal spores

Reproductive units of fungi, often surrounded by cell walls.

Glucans

Polysaccharides providing structural support in fungi.

Osmotic Stress

Pressure changes affecting cell integrity.

Environmental Protection

Shields cells from pathogens and stress.

Cell Shape

Maintains structural integrity for fungal growth.

Adhesion

Cell wall aids in surface attachment.

Immunogenicity

Triggers immune responses against fungal infections.

Cell Membrane

Selectively permeable barrier regulating substance transport.

Nutrient Absorption

Process of absorbing nutrients from the environment.

Cell Signaling

Facilitates communication and response to cues.

Energy Production

Involves processes like electron transport chain.

Budding

Asexual reproduction method in yeast cells.

Mycelium

Network of hyphae facilitating nutrient absorption.

Vacuoles

Storage and osmoregulation structures in fungi.

Enzymes

Secreted to break down organic molecules.

Decomposers

Fungi recycle nutrients from dead matter.

Symbiotic Relationships

Mutualistic associations with plants for nutrient uptake.

Pathogens

Fungi causing diseases in various organisms.

Plasma Membrane

Barrier regulating transport and signaling.

Transport Channels

Facilitate nutrient uptake and cell communication.

Nucleus

Houses genetic material and controls activities.

Genetic Information

Instructions for protein synthesis and processes.

Cytoplasm

Gel-like substance where cellular processes occur.

Organelle Location

Contains organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes.

Mitochondria

Powerhouses generating ATP via cellular respiration.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport.

Golgi Apparatus

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids.

Vacuoles

Storage compartments for water, nutrients, and waste.

Ribosomes

Translate genetic information into proteins.

Primary Metabolism

Essential for growth, energy production, and nutrient uptake.

Glycolysis

Pathway for glucose metabolism in fungi.

Gluconeogenesis

Pathway for glucose production from non-carbohydrates.

Carbon Assimilation

Uptake and metabolism of carbon sources by fungi.

Cell Wall Structure

Composition crucial for fungal virulence and host interaction.

Nutrient Acquisition

Secretion of enzymes to break down organic compounds.

Secondary Metabolism

Production of specialized metabolites for adaptation and defense.

Secondary Metabolites (SMs)

Diverse compounds produced through specific biosynthetic pathways.

Biosynthetic Gene Clusters (BGCs)

Regions of genes encoding enzymes for SM production.

Environmental Regulation

SM production induced by environmental cues.

Roles of Secondary Metabolites

Act as antifungal compounds, signaling molecules, or pigments.

Bioremediation

Use of fungi to degrade pollutants in environments.

Biotechnology

Fungi as cell factories for valuable compound production.

Food and Agriculture

Fungi's roles in food production and spoilage.

Human Health

Some fungi are pathogens; others produce antibiotics.

Gene Duplication

An evolutionary process shaping fungal metabolic diversity.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Transfer of genes between organisms affecting metabolism.

Mycelium

Network of hyphae forming the feeding phase of fungi.

Haploid

Mycelium typically has one set of chromosomes.

Budding

Yeast reproduction method where a new cell buds off.

Fragmentation

Mycelium breaks into pieces, each growing into a new fungus.

Spores

Minute reproductive units that can develop into new organisms.

Mitospores

Asexually produced spores often called mitospores.

Haploid Hyphae

Fused hyphae with separate nuclei forming dikaryotic mycelium.

Dikaryotic Mycelium

Fused hyphae with two nuclei per cell.

Karyogamy

Fusion of nuclei forming a diploid zygote.

Meiosis

Diploid zygote undergoes meiosis to produce haploid spores.

Spore Dispersal

Haploid spores are dispersed to start new colonies.

Haplontic Life Cycle

Multicellular stage is haploid; diploid stage is zygote.

Dikaryotic Life Cycle

Haploid nuclei remain paired, undergo synchronous mitosis.

Dimorphic Fungi

Fungi that switch between yeast and hyphal phases.

Fungi Imperfecti

Fungi that reproduce only asexually.

Eukaryotic Algae

Photosynthetic organisms, unicellular or multicellular.

Microalgae Size

Microscopic, from a few micrometers to hundreds.

Microalgae Habitat

Found in aquatic and soil environments.

Microalgae Photosynthesis

Convert light energy into chemical energy.

Microalgae Structure

Can be unicellular or form colonies.

Microalgae Cell Wall

Composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and polysaccharides.

Eukaryotic Microalgae Organelles

Contain membrane-bound organelles like nucleus and chloroplasts.

Eukaryotic Microalgae Cytoplasm

Houses ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi bodies.

Microalgae Lipids

High lipid content, used for biofuel production.

Microalgae Carbohydrates

Primary products of photosynthesis, including glucose.

Microalgae Proteins

Good protein source, high in Spirulina and Chlorella.