BIOL 410 LAB FUNGI

Chytirds are the oldest know fungus in the world. Where did they evolve?

Aquatic environments.

(As the oldest known fungal lineage, they retained their ancestral flagella to swim through water.)

How are scientists using the microbiome to help with Chytridomycosis.

Apply anti-fungal skin bacteria on the skin of frogs. These bacteria inhibit and combat the deadly chytrid fungus.

What is the wave of the future with biofuels? (discuss yeast &

woodchips/garbage)

Genetically engineered yeasts used to ferment woodchips & garbage into bioethanol. This avoids using food crops (corn) for fuel.

Which specific organism and structures are found in Brie cheese

Penicillium camemberti

fungal hyphae / mycelium grow on the outside to form the white

How is the US working on saving Chestnut trees; explain back breeding and which trees are being bred together.

Backcross breeding program ——>

Trees being bred: American Chestnut is crossed with blight-resistant Chestnut.

The Process: hybrid offspring are repeatedly bred with pure American Chestnuts over multiple generations. This helps inherit the specific genes required for blight resistance

What forms the crusty exterior of the Lichen?

upper cortex

Which two organisms can be found inside as a symbiont?

fungus & cyanobacterium

Which Lichens make the best pioneer species?

Crustose lichens

What are four uses of Lichens?

1. Litmus paper to test pH!

2. Monitoring air quality

3. Extracting natural dyes

4. Ecological Food Source for arctic wildlife.