Mycology

what is mycology

the study of fungi

defining characteristics of fungi

(prokaryotic or eukaryotic)

(autotroph or heterotroph)

atmospheric req

eukaryotic organisms

have true nucleus, nuclear membrane and organelles

heterotrophs

what are the 2 types fungi are classified into?

what are their atmospheric requirements

Yeasts and Molds

most fungi except yeast = obligate aerobes

yeast = facultative anaerobes, small number of strict aerobe

Components of the fungal cell wall

Chitin - provides structural support

Glucans - help support and strengthen cell wall

Mannans - form part of the outer layer, associated w/ proteins

what is unique about the fungal cell membrane

contains ergosterol → fungi version of cholesterol

antifungals target this difference to find fungi

yeast morphology, colour, reproduction, colony appearance

morph: usually unicellular, some yeasts such as candida albicans form yeast cells, pseudohyphae, or true hyphae

colour: usually white or cream-coloured

repro: asexually through budding

colony appearance: usually form smooth, round colonies

Molds morphology, colour, repro, colony appearance

morph: multicellular, grow as thread-like structures called hyphae

colour: many diff colours

repro: by forming spores, through asexual or sexual processes, depending on the species

colony appearance: often fuzzy or cottony colonies