Fungi Structure and Metabolism

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes on fungi, focusing on their structure, metabolic processes, interactions, and significance.

Hypha

A tube-like structure that forms the main body of a fungal organism, containing protoplasm.

Mycelium

A network of hyphae that intertwines to form a dense mass.

Septa

Cross walls that divide hyphae into cells, found in many fungi.

Aseptate

Describes fungi that lack septa; also referred to as coenocytic.

Chitin

A component of fungal cell walls, providing structural support.

Glucan

A polysaccharide found in the cell wall of fungi, often in combination with chitin.

Cytoplasm

The substance within the plant cell membrane, excluding the nucleus.

Apical Vesicle Cluster (AVC)

A collection of vesicles at the hyphal tip involved in growth.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for ATP production.

Ribosomes

Molecular machines responsible for protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that assists in protein and lipid synthesis, has rough and smooth types.

Golgi Bodies

Organelles that modify and transport proteins received from the endoplasmic reticulum.

Septate

Hyphae divided by septa, containing distinct cellular compartments.

Dolipore Septa

Thick-walled septa with central channels that allow some cytoplasmic continuity.

Fungal Cell Wall

A rigid structure composed of polysaccharides like chitin and glucan, differing from bacterial walls.

Plasma Membrane

A bilayer of phospholipids embedded with proteins that regulates cell permeability.

Ergosterol

A unique sterol found in fungal membranes, functionally similar to cholesterol in animal cells.

Glycolysis

The process of breaking down glucose to produce ATP, occurring in the cytosol.

Krebs Cycle

A series of reactions in the mitochondria that produces ATP and electron carriers from Acetyl CoA.

Electron Transport System

The series of complexes that transfer electrons to produce ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.

Gluconeogenesis

The metabolic process that generates glucose from non-sugar substrates.

Primary Metabolites

Essential compounds for cellular function produced during normal metabolic processes.

Secondary Metabolites

Compounds not essential for growth, often produced for defense, like antibiotics.

Penicillin

An antibiotic derived from the fungus Penicillium, effective against certain bacterial infections.

Mycotoxins

Toxic compounds produced by fungi that can cause illness in humans and animals.

Aflatoxins

Carcinogenic mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species, commonly found in grains and nuts.

Ergotism

A condition caused by the consumption of ergot-infected grains, resulting in severe symptoms.

Histoplasmosis

A respiratory disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.

Blastomycosis

A fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, affecting lungs and skin.

Candidiasis

An infection caused by Candida species, often occurring in moist body regions.

Tinea pedis

Commonly known as athlete's foot, a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet.

Antifungal Agents

Medications used to treat fungal infections, targeting various fungal cellular structures.

Fungicides

Chemical agents used to kill or inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi.

Biocontrol

The use of natural predators or antagonists to control fungal pathogens.

Virulence Factors

Characteristics that enable a pathogen to cause disease.

Saprobic

Describes fungi that absorb nutrients from dead organic matter.

Mycoparasites

Fungi that feed on or parasitize other fungi.

Root Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots enhancing nutrient uptake.

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Ecosystems on land where fungi play a vital role in decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Biodegradation

The breakdown of organic substances by living organisms, primarily fungi and bacteria.

Translocation

The movement of nutrients through fungal structures, particularly through septa.

Lignocellulose

A complex of lignin and cellulose found in the cell walls of plants, degraded by some fungi.

Mycelial Growth

The process by which fungi expand their hyphal network to acquire nutrients.

Epidemiology of Fungal Diseases

The study of the occurrence and spread of fungal infections in populations.

Symbiotic Relationships

Interactions between fungi and other organisms, often beneficial for both parties.

Filamentous Fungi

Multicellular fungi characterized by thread-like structures called hyphae.

Yeasts

Unicellular fungi that reproduce primarily through budding.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.