Fungal Diversity

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to fungal diversity, characteristics, classifications, phylogenetic relationships, and the importance of fungi.

What are the three body plans of fungi?

Unicellular (e.g., yeasts), filamentous (e.g., molds), or thalloid (e.g., mushrooms).

What are individual filaments of filamentous fungi called?

Hyphae (plural: hypha) which form a network called mycelium (plural: mycelia).

What is the nutritional lifestyle of fungi described as?

Heterotrophic, including biotrophs, necrotrophs, symptomless endophytes, and saprotrophs.

What is a biotroph?

A type of fungus that develops in living host tissue without killing the host.

What is the defining feature of Ascomycota?

The ascus, which is the sexual structure containing spores.

What are some uses of fungi for humans?

Fungi are used in the food industry, medicine (like antibiotics), and agriculture.

What is the key role of fungi in ecosystems?

Fungi act as decomposers, returning dead organisms to the soil in usable forms.

What is the life cycle of fungi characterized by?

A haplontic life cycle, where the only diploid stage is the zygote.

What do you call the process where two parent cells' protoplasm fuses without nucleus fusion?

Plasmogamy.

What does the term '-mycota' refer to in fungal classification?

It designates a phylum.

What is the defining feature of Basidiomycota?

The basidium, which is the reproductive structure that produces spores.

How are the fungi classified into different groups?

Fungi are classified based on characteristics like reproductive structures, genetic data, and lifestyles.

What distinguishes Zygomycota from other fungal groups?

The presence of a zygospore, which is formed during the sexual reproduction.

What are Chytridiomycota known for?

Their mostly aquatic life style and the production of motile spores with flagella.

What are Glomeromycota primarily associated with?

They are known for forming arbuscular mycorrhizal relationships with plant roots.