biology

Cytolysis

The bursting of a cell due to excessive water intake in a hypotonic environment.

Plasmolysis

The shrinking of the cytoplasm due to water loss in a hypertonic environment.

Diatoms

Unicellular algae with silica-based cell walls, commonly found in aquatic environments.

Dinoflagellates

Protists with two flagella, responsible for red tides and bioluminescence.

Pseudopod

A temporary, foot-like extension of a cell used for movement and engulfing food.

Plasmodium

A genus of parasitic protists that cause malaria.

Mycology

The study of fungi.

Fruiting body

The reproductive structure of a fungus, like mushrooms or mold spores.

Vegetative structures

The non-reproductive parts of an organism, like fungal hyphae or plant roots and stems.

Mold

A type of fungus that grows in multicellular filaments called hyphae.

Saprotrophs

Organisms that decompose organic material for nutrients, like fungi.

Ascocarp

The fruiting body of ascomycete fungi, where spores are produced.

Pasteurization

The process of heating liquids (like milk) to kill harmful bacteria without changing the substance too much.

Basidiocarp

The fruiting body of Basidiomycota fungi, like mushrooms, where spores are produced.

Hallucinogen

A substance that alters perception, thoughts, and consciousness, sometimes found in fungi like Psilocybe (magic mushrooms).

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the host.

Commensalism

A relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships among species based on genetics and traits, often shown in phylogenetic trees.

What are the three main groups of protists?

Protozoa (animal-like), Algae (plant-like), and Slime Molds/Water Molds (fungus-like).

What are three characteristics of Euglena?

Mixotrophic, moves with a flagellum, has an eyespot for light detection.

What does a contractile vacuole do?

Expels excess water to regulate osmosis.

Which protist remains are used in toothpaste?

Diatoms (silica cell walls act as abrasives).

Which protists live in coral? What relationship do they have?

Zooxanthellae (dinoflagellates); mutualistic relationship.

What genus causes malaria?

Plasmodium.

What are three characteristics of Paramecium?

Covered in cilia, has two nuclei, uses a contractile vacuole.

What is the symmetry of radiolarians?

Radial symmetry.

What happens in alternation of generations?

Gametophytes (haploid) make gametes, sporophytes (diploid) make spores.

What shape is a Volvox colony?

Spherical.

What shape are Spirogyra chloroplasts?

Spiral.

Haploid.

Are fungal hyphae haploid or diploid?

What is fungal cell walls made of?

Chitin.

What is special about microsporidians?

They are intracellular parasites that lack typical mitochondria.

What makes Chytridiomycota unique?

They have flagellated spores.

What reproductive structure is formed by Zygomycota?

Zygospores.

What reproductive structure is formed by Ascomycota?

Ascospores in asci.

What reproductive structure is formed by Basidiomycota?

Basidiospores on basidia.

Why are some fungi classified as Deuteromycota?

They have no known sexual reproduction.

What makes lichens a mutualistic relationship?

Fungi provide structure; algae/cyanobacteria provide food.

What makes mycorrhizae a mutualistic relationship?

Fungi help plant roots absorb nutrients; plants provide carbohydrates.

Shelf fungus →

Basidiomycota.

Bread mold →

Zygomycota.

Penicillium →

Ascomycota.

Mushrooms →

Basidiomycota.

Aspergillus →

Ascomycota.

What is a phylogenetic tree?

A diagram showing evolutionary relationships.

Why can different gene groups produce different phylogenetic trees?

Horizontal gene transfer and convergent evolution can affect results.

Haploid

A cell with half the normal number of chromosomes; in fungi, this typically refers to spores or gametes.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent; in fungi, formed after the fusion of gametes.

Gamete

A haploid reproductive cell (such as sperm or egg) that can fuse with another gamete to form a zygote.

Zygote

A diploid cell that results from the fusion of two haploid gametes; in fungi, it undergoes meiosis to produce spores.

What are the main characteristics of fungi?

Eukaryotic, mostly multicellular, heterotrophic, non-photosynthetic with cell walls made of chitin.

What type of environments do fungi thrive in?

Moist environments at warm temperatures (20°C - 30°C).

What are hyphae?

Threadlike filaments that develop from fungal spores, serving various functions such as anchoring and food invasion.

What is the role of fungi as decomposers?

They break down organic substances into raw materials for other organisms, recycling nutrients.

What are mycorrhizae?

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots, aiding nutrient absorption for 90% of plants.

What is alternation of generations in fungi?

Haploid spores replicate by mitosis to form gametes, which fuse to create a diploid zygote that undergoes meiosis.

What phylum do common molds belong to?

Phylum Zygomycota (Zygomycetes), such as Rhizopus stolonifer (bread mold).

What are some examples of Basidiomycota?

Mushrooms, puffballs, stinkhorns, bird’s nest fungi, and bracket fungi.

What is unique about Ascomycota?

Includes yeasts, morels, truffles, and has sac-like reproductive structures (ascus).

What are some human fungal infections?

Ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, yeast infections (Candida albicans).

What are some benefits of fungi?

They produce antibiotics like penicillin, are used in baking and brewing, and include edible mushrooms.

What are common pathogenic effects of fungi on plants?

Wheat rust, tomato blight, black spot on roses, cucumber scab.

What distinguishes Deuteromycota?

No known sexual reproduction stage; often used in food production like soy sauce and blue cheese.

What fungi are used to produce soy sauce and blue cheese?

Aspergillus oryzae for soy sauce; Penicillium roqueforti for blue cheese.

What is citric acid and where is it commonly found?

Citric acid is a weak organic acid used in soft drinks and candy.

What are some fungal species used in antibiotic production?

Cephalosporium and Penicillium.

What are some common human fungal infections?

Ringworm, athlete’s foot, jock itch, and yeast infections (Candida albicans).

What are some plant diseases caused by fungi?

Wheat rust, tomato blight, black spot on roses, cucumber scab.

What is a key characteristic of some poisonous mushrooms?

They can be fatal if consumed or inhaled.

What are some helpful uses of fungi?

Penicillium produces penicillin (antibiotic), and yeast is used in bread, wine, and beer production.

What are examples of edible mushrooms?

White button, portobello, shiitake, truffles, and morels.