Unit 4 Study

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and organelles, including fungi, animals, plants, and protists.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The theory that eukaryotic cells arose from one cell engulfing another, leading to a symbiotic relationship.

Aerobic Respiration

A metabolic process utilizing oxygen and mitochondria to produce ATP efficiently.

Plastids

Organelles in plant and algal cells that include chloroplasts, which are involved in photosynthesis.

Protists

A diverse group of eukaryotic organisms that are not classified as animals, plants, or fungi.

Cysts

Protective structures formed by some protists that enable survival in adverse conditions.

Diplomonads

A group of anaerobic protists characterized by having two haploid nuclei.

Chytridiomycota

The phylum that includes the most primitive fungi, mainly unicellular with flagella.

Mycorrhiza

A mutualistic association between fungi and plant roots that enhances nutrient absorption for plants.

Lichens

Symbiotic structures formed by fungi and photosynthetic organisms, acting as environmental indicators.

Obligate Anaerobes

Organisms that cannot tolerate oxygen, as it is toxic to them.

Haustoria

Specialized hyphae in fungi that inject enzymes into host tissues for nutrient absorption.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain food by consuming other organisms.

Spores

Reproductive units in fungi that can develop into new individuals under favorable conditions.

Sexual Reproduction in Fungi

Involves plasmogamy, karyogamy, and meiosis, often initiated by adverse environmental conditions.

Saprobes

Fungi that obtain energy from decaying organic material.

Mycosis

Disease caused by fungal infection.

Mixotrophs

Organisms that can utilize both autotrophic and heterotrophic nutritional strategies.

Flagella

Whip-like structures used by some protists for movement.

Ectomycorrhizal Fungi

Fungi that form a sheath around plant roots, aiding in nutrient absorption.

Pathogenic Protists

Protists that cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

Fungal Parasites

Fungi that extract nutrients from a host organism, often causing harm.

Amoebozoa

A supergroup of eukaryotes that includes amoebae and slime molds.

Glomeromycota

Phylum of fungi that forms arbuscular mycorrhizae, essential for many plants.

Basidiomycota

Phylum characterized by club-like basidia and includes mushrooms and shelf fungi.

Conidiospores

Spores produced by fungi through asexual reproduction, often found in the asexual cycle.

Chloroplasts

Plastids that contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis in plant cells.

Karyogamy

The fusion of two nuclei in a sexual reproduction cycle of fungi.

Plasmodium

A genus of parasitic protists responsible for malaria.

Trypanosoma

A genus of parasitic protists causing diseases like sleeping sickness.

Giardia spp.

A genus of parasitic protozoa that leads to gastrointestinal illness in humans.

Fungal Nutrition

Methods through which fungi obtain nutrients, including saprobic, parasitic, and predatory modes.

Predatory Fungi

Fungi that capture and digest nematodes for nutrients.

External Digestion

Process by which fungi secrete enzymes to break down complex molecules outside their cells.

Perfect Fungi

Fungi capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction.

Imperfect Fungi

Fungi that reproduce asexually, usually lacking a sexual reproduction phase.

Saprobes

Fungi that decompose dead organic matter, playing a critical role in nutrient cycling.

Asexual Reproduction in Fungi

Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes, often through spores.

Alternation of Generations

A life cycle involving both haploid and diploid multicellular stages.

Euglenozoans

A diverse group of protists characterized by unique flagella, including both parasites and autotrophs.

Stramenopiles

A group of eukaryotic organisms that includes diatoms and brown algae.

Obligate Aerobes

Organisms that require oxygen for growth.

Amoeba proteus

A large species of amoeba found in freshwater and known for its pseudopodia.