21Introduction_to_fungi_mini_21

Mycology

The study of fungi.

Fungal Cells

Eukaryote cells characterized by a DNA bound nucleus, cell walls, pigments, and unique membranes.

Chitin

A rigid substance that makes up the thick cell walls of fungi.

Ergosterol

A sterol found in the plasma membrane of fungi, replacing cholesterol.

Mycelium

The vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of hyphae.

Obligate Aerobes

Fungi that require oxygen to survive.

Facultative Anaerobes

Fungi that can survive both in the presence and absence of oxygen.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that acquire energy from dead or decaying matter.

External Digestion

A mode of nutrient acquisition where enzymes digest food externally before absorption.

Sporangium

A reproductive sac in fungi where spores are produced.

Homothallic

Fungi that reproduce with mycelium of the same genotype.

Heterothallic

Fungi that require two different but compatible mycelia for reproduction.

Karyogamy

The process in sexual reproduction where nuclei unite to form a diploid zygote nucleus.