Introduction to Eukaryotic Microorganisms

Practice vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes regarding eukaryotic organelles, fungal morphology, and protozoan life cycles.

Eukaryotic cells

Complex cells that contain a nucleus where their DNA is housed and various membrane bound organelles such as the Golgi apparatus and mitochondria.

Prokaryotic flagella

External appendages used for movement that are typically thinner and consist of a single long filament.

Eukaryotic flagella

Thicker and more complex motor appendages made up of $11$ filaments called microtubules, arranged in a nine plus two microtubule arrangement.

Cilia

Motor appendages exclusive to eukaryotic cells that move in a back and forth motion and are typically shorter and more numerous than flagella.

Chitin

A chemical found in the cell walls of fungi that provides shape, structure, and support.

Sterols

Steroid alcohols like cholesterol embedded in eukaryotic cell membranes to provide structural rigidity and stability, especially in cells lacking a cell wall.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

A membrane bound organelle studded with ribosomes that is involved in the transport and storage of proteins.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

A membrane bound organelle lacking ribosomes that is involved in the storage and transport of nonprotein molecules like lipids.

Transitional vesicles

Vesicles that transport proteins or lipids from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus.

Condensing vesicles

Vesicles that transport finalized products from the Golgi apparatus to their final destination, such as the cell membrane for excretion.

Vacuoles

Membrane bound storage compartments that hold nutrients or pathogens that need to be broken down by the cell.

Lysosomes

Membrane bound organelles containing digestive enzymes that fuse with vacuoles to break down their contents.

Actin filaments

Cytoskeleton components located just under the cell membrane responsible for shape changes and a crawling like motion.

Microtubules

Long filaments that act as railroad tracks throughout the cytoplasm for transporting vesicles and other materials.

Intermediate filaments

Cytoskeleton structures responsible for anchoring organelles to the cell membrane to keep them in place.

Mycology

The field of biology dedicated to the study of fungi.

Pseudohyphae

A chain of yeast cells that remain attached to one another after going through a budding cycle.

Dimorphic

The ability of certain fungi to change their shape between yeast like oval forms and mold like hyphae filaments depending on the environment.

Conidia

Fungal spores that are not encapsulated or encased in a sac but are instead freely associated with the hyphae.

Trophozoite

The active, growing, and dividing life stage of a protozoan when it is in a favorable environment with moisture and nutrients.

Eukaryotic flagella

Thicker and more complex motor appendages made up of $11$ filaments called microtubules, arranged in a nine plus two microtubule arrangement.

Prokaryotic flagella

Smaller (thinner) and less complex appendages used for movement that move in a circular motion.

Cilia

Motor appendages exclusive to eukaryotic cells that move in a back-and-forth motion and are typically shorter and more numerous than flagella.

Cell wall

Provides shape and support of the cell; eukaryotic cells that contain cell walls (such as fungi) do not contain peptidoglycan.

Cell membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that functions in transport (selectively permeable) and contains sterols that provide rigidity.

Nucleus

Only present in eukaryotic cells, serves to house the cell's genetic material (DNA).

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

Involved in the storage and transport of proteins; its rough appearance is due to ribosomes on its surface.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

Involved in the storage and transport of non-protein molecules such as lipids.

Golgi Apparatus

Receives protein and lipid-filled vesicles from the endoplasmic reticulum, chemically modifies them, and ships them to their final location.

Vacuoles

Only present in eukaryotic cells, these are storage compartments that hold substances awaiting digestion.

Lysosomes

Contains digestive enzymes used to break down food particles and invading microorganisms.

Mitochondria

The site of ATP production, only present in eukaryotic cells.

Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis; prokaryotic ribosomes are 70S, while eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S, with different locations in the cell.

Cytoskeleton

Made up of three elements: actin filaments for movement, microtubules for transport, and intermediate filaments for anchoring organelles.

Mycology

The field of biology dedicated to the study of fungi.

Pseudohyphae

A chain of yeast cells that remain attached to one another after going through a budding cycle.

Dimorphic fungi

Fungi that can change their shape between yeast-like and mold-like forms depending on the environment.

Conidia

Fungal spores that are freely associated with hyphae and not encapsulated.

Trophozoite

The active, growing, and dividing stage of a protozoan in a favorable environment.

Giardia lamblia

A protozoan that causes gastrointestinal distress and forms cysts in harsh environments.

Plasmodium

A protozoan transmitted via infected mosquitoes known to cause malaria.

Trichomonas vaginalis

A protozoan that infects the vagina in females and the urinary tract in males, unable to form a cyst.

Fungal diseases (Mycoses)

Superficial (affects skin, hair, nails), subcutaneous (affects skin layers), systemic (affects internal organs), and opportunistic (causes disease when the host's immune system is weakened).

Actin filaments

Cytoskeleton components responsible for crawling-like movement and shape changes.

Microtubules

Long filaments that serve as tracks for moving RNA and vesicles throughout the cell.

Intermediate filaments

Cytoskeleton structures responsible for anchoring organelles to the cell membrane.

Fungal reproductive structure (Sporangiospores)

Contains a saclike head (sporangium) attached to a stalk.

Fungi (Macroscopic and Microscopic)

Macroscopic fungi include mushrooms, while microscopic fungi include yeasts and molds.

Molds

Composed of long filamentous cells known as hyphae, some of which contain cross walls called septa.

Coenocytic hyphae

Hyphae that are absent of septa.

Septate hyphae

Hyphae that have cross walls dividing them into separate units.