Fungal Biology and Microbiomes

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and definitions related to fungal biology, their role in diseases, and their relationships with plants and other organisms.

Puccina graminis

A fungus that causes wheat rust.

Phakopsora pachyrhizie

A fungus responsible for soybean rust.

Geomyces destructans

A fungus that causes white nose syndrome in bats.

Pneumocystis carinii

A fungus that can infect humans with compromised immune systems.

Cryptococcus neoformans

A pathogenic fungus that can cause serious infections in humans.

Blastomyces dermatidis

A fungus that causes blastomycosis.

Coccidioides immitis

A fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever.

Histoplasma capsulatum

A fungus responsible for histoplasmosis.

Endophytes

Fungi that live inside plant tissues and can provide protective benefits.

Toxins

Chemical substances produced by fungi that can be harmful to other organisms.

Antibiotics

Substances produced by certain fungi that inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Heat tolerance

The ability of certain fungi to survive in high-temperature environments.

Lichens

Symbiotic relationships between fungi and green algae or cyanobacteria.

Crustose

A type of lichen that forms a crust-like appearance on surfaces.

Foliose

A type of lichen with leaf-like structures.

Fruticose

A type of lichen that is bushy and branched.

Soredia

Asexual reproductive structures in lichens.

Mycorrhizae

Fungi that associate with plant roots, aiding in nutrient absorption.

Ectomycorrhizae

Mycorrhizal fungi that form a sheath around the outside of the root.

Endomycorrhizae

Fungi that penetrate the root cells of plants.

Soil builders

Organisms, such as fungi and lichens, that contribute to soil formation and health.