BIOS 102

Unit 2

Protist

A diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms, can be unicellular or multicellular or colonial. They play various roles in ecosystems, including as producers and decomposers.

Mixotrophs

Organisms that can obtain energy and nutrients through both photosynthesis and heterotrophy.

Endosymbiosis

A symbiotic relationship where one organism lives inside another, leading to the evolution of complex cells, such as those in plants and animals.

Algae

Photosynthetic protists that can be unicellular or multicellular, playing a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as primary producers.

Secondary Symbiosis

The process where a eukaryotic cell engulfs another eukaryotic cell that has already undergone primary endosymbiosis, resulting in a chloroplast with four membranes.

Holdfast

A structure that anchors algae or other plants to a substrate, providing stability and support in aquatic environments.

Blades

The leaf-like structures of algae that are involved in photosynthesis and increase surface area for light absorption.

Alteration of Generation

A reproductive cycle in which an organism alternates between a multicellular haploid phase and a multicellular diploid phase, commonly seen in plants and some algae.

Conjugation

A reproductive process in which two organisms exchange genetic material, often seen in algae and some bacteria, leading to genetic diversity.

Pseudopodia

Temporary projections of eukaryotic cells used for movement and feeding, commonly found in amoebas.

Tests

Hard outer coverings that provide protection and support for certain organisms, such as Rhizarians

Producers

Organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Plasmodium

A genus of parasitic protozoa that cause malaria in humans and other animals. Apricomplexans - Alveolates

Hyphae

The filamentous structures that make up the mycelium of fungi, essential for nutrient absorption and reproduction.

Mycelium

The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of hyphae that grow underground or within the substrate, playing a crucial role in nutrient absorption.

Septate Hyphae

Hyphae that are divided into individual cells by cross-walls called septa, allowing for the compartmentalization of cellular contents and enhancing structural integrity.

Coenocytic Hyphae

Hyphae that lack septa, resulting in a continuous cytoplasmic mass with multiple nuclei, allowing for rapid growth and nutrient transport.

Mycorrhizae

A symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots that enhances nutrient exchange, particularly phosphorus, benefiting both partners.

Arbuscular

mycorrhizae, a type of mycorrhizal association where fungi penetrate plant root cells, facilitating nutrient exchange.

Ectomycorrizal

fungi that form a sheath around plant roots and extend into the surrounding soil, improving water and nutrient absorption.

Endophytes

Fungi that live inside plant tissues without causing harm, often providing benefits such as increased resistance to stress and improved nutrient uptake.

Soredia

asexual reproductive structures in lichens that consist of a few fungal hyphae and algal cells, allowing for new lichen growth.

Mycosis

a fungal infection in humans or animals that can affect various body parts, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

Spores

Reproductive cells produced by fungi, capable of developing into a new organism under suitable conditions.

Deuteromycetes

a group of fungi characterized by their lack of a known sexual reproduction stage, primarily reproducing asexually through conidia.

Conidia

Produced by fungi, have nuclei formed at the tips of specialized hyphae called Conidiafores in Ascomycetes

Plasmogamy

the fusion of the cytoplasm of two parent cells, leading to the formation of a dikaryotic or heterokaryotic cells in fungi.

Heterokaryotic

Having more than two nuclei with genetically different code in the same cell

Dikaryotic

Having two nuclei with genetically different code in the same cell

Karyogamy

The fusion of two nuclei to form a diploid cell

Zygosporangium

A thick-walled structure formed during the sexual reproduction of certain fungi, containing zygotes, in Zoopagomycetes and Mucoromycets

Asci

Singular of Ascus, a sac surrounding the ascospores of an ascomycetes fungi after plasmogamy

Ascocarps

A hard shell surrounding the Asci of Ascomycetes

Basidium

A cell where Karyogamy and meiosis occur in Basidiomycetes

Basidiocarps

An outer shell that protects the Basidium of Basidiomycetes

Haploid

Nuclei with one chromosome

Diploid

Nuclei with a pair of chromosomes