Fungi and Microbiomes Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to fungi, their life cycles, the microbiomes of animals and their health implications, as well as understanding viruses and plant diversity.

What is the process called where two haploid cells fuse to form a heterokaryotic stage in fungi?

Plasmogony

What stage in the sexual reproduction cycle of fungi follows karyogamy?

Meiosis

What is the term for the asexual reproductive structures in fungi that produce spores?

Asexual mycelium

Which group of fungi is known for its cup-shaped fruiting bodies and includes many yeasts and truffles?

Ascomycetes

What is the significance of Glomeromycetes in relation to plants?

They form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and mycorrhizae, essential for plants to move onto land.

What type of fungi is responsible for causing the decline of amphibians, including in Australia and America?

Batrachytrium dendrobatidis

What causes the formation of fairy rings in nature?

Basidiomycetes growing rapidly in a circular pattern, dropping spores from their gills.

What type of microbiome is crucial for the survival of young animals and increases their fitness?

Animal microbiome

How do diverse gut microbiomes impact child growth?

Children with a diverse microbiome tend to grow healthier while malnourished children with less diverse microbiomes can experience stunted growth.

What characteristic defines emerging viruses, such as HIV?

They rapidly come to the attention of scientists and suddenly become major issues.

What vaccine is combined to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella?

MMR vaccine

What happens when a large enough part of a population gains immunity to a disease?

Herd immunity is achieved, containing and eventually eliminating the disease.

What is the term for the genetic material and shell found in viruses?

Capsid and viral genetic material.

What is the role of vaccinations in relation to the immune system?

They expose the immune system to an antigen, stimulating the production of memory cells.

What is the ecological significance of plants, according to the notes?

Plants have changed the earth, creating soil and significantly impacting ecosystems.