Introduction to Fungi

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to fungi, their structure, classification, and importance.

Mycology

The study of fungi.

Mycoses

Fungal diseases affecting animals, including humans.

Hyphae

Tubular, elongated, thread-like structures that make up the body of fungi.

Mycelium

A tangled mass of hyphae visible to the naked eye.

Conidia

Asexual spores produced at the tips of hyphae.

Ascomycota

The largest taxonomic group of fungi, known for forming ascospores.

Basidiomycota

Commonly known as club fungi, producing sexual spores called basidiospores.

Dimorphic fungi

Fungi that can switch between yeast and mold forms depending on environmental conditions.

Chytridiomycota

Simple, aquatic fungi known for producing flagellated zoospores.

Zygomycota

Fungi known for producing zygospores as sexual spores.

Deuteromycota

Fungi that lack a known sexual cycle, often referred to as 'imperfect fungi'.

Lichens

A symbiotic association between algae or cyanobacteria and fungi.

Saprophytes

Organisms that obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter.

Sporangiospores

Asexual spores formed within a sac.

Chemoheterotrophic

Organisms that require preformed organic compounds as energy sources.

Ergosterol

A sterol found in the cell membranes of fungi.