Eukaryotic Life Cycles and Symbiosis

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the life cycles, reproduction, and relationships of various eukaryotic organisms as discussed in lecture.

Hyphae

Single-celled filaments that grow and branch to extend a fungal colony.

Mycelium

A network of filaments formed by merging hyphae.

Sporangia

Specialized structures on mature mycelium that produce spores through asexual reproduction.

Primordia

Small structures formed in mycelium that develop into the fruiting body of mushroom-producing fungi.

Asexual reproduction in yeast

Occurs through budding, where a genetically identical cell grows from the parent cell.

Sexual reproduction in yeast

Involves two haploid cells of opposite mating types detecting each other through chemical signals.

Chitin

The material that makes up the cell walls of fungi.

Pseudopodia

Temporary arm-like projections used by amoebas for movement.

Flagella

One or more long, whip-like appendages used by flagellates for movement.

Cilia

Tiny, hair-like structures that move in wave-like motions, used by ciliates for propulsion.

Lichen symbiosis

A relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria where both benefit from the association.

Mycorrhizae

Fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake.

Polyphyletic

Groups that include organisms from multiple, unrelated ancestral lines.

Monophyletic

A group that contains an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Diatoms

Single-celled organisms encased in a glass shell, capable of asexual and sexual reproduction.

Plasmodial slime molds

Organisms that are composed of a multinucleated cell, differing from cellular slime molds.

Water molds

Organisms related to diatoms and brown algae, not classified as fungi.

Hyphae

Single-celled filaments that grow and branch to extend a fungal colony.

Mycelium

A network of filaments formed by merging hyphae.

Sporangia

Specialized structures on mature mycelium that produce spores through asexual reproduction.

Primordia

Small structures formed in mycelium that develop into the fruiting body of mushroom-producing fungi.

Asexual reproduction in yeast

Occurs through budding, where a genetically identical cell grows from the parent cell.

Sexual reproduction in yeast

Involves two haploid cells of opposite mating types detecting each other through chemical signals.

Chitin

The material that makes up the cell walls of fungi.

Pseudopodia

Temporary arm-like projections used by amoebas for movement.

Flagella

One or more long, whip-like appendages used by flagellates for movement.

Cilia

Tiny, hair-like structures that move in wave-like motions, used by ciliates for propulsion.

Lichen symbiosis

A relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria where both benefit from the association.

Mycorrhizae

Fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake.

Polyphyletic

Groups that include organisms from multiple, unrelated ancestral lines.

Monophyletic

A group that contains an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Diatoms

Single-celled organisms encased in a glass shell, capable of asexual and sexual reproduction.

Plasmodial slime molds

Organisms that are composed of a multinucleated cell, differing from cellular slime molds.

Water molds

Organisms related to diatoms and brown algae, not classified as fungi.

Heterotrophic

Describes organisms, like fungi, that obtain nutrients by absorbing organic molecules from their environment.

Saprophyte

An organism, typically a fungus or bacterium, that obtains its nutrition from dead or decaying organic matter.

Decomposers

Organisms (like many fungi and bacteria) that break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.