17_Fungi-short

Kingdom Fungi

A biological kingdom consisting of fungi, which are heterotrophic eukaryotes.

Saprobes

Organisms that feed on dead organic matter, acting as decomposers in ecosystems.

Mutualists

Organisms that have a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Heterokaryotic

A state in fungi characterized by cells containing two or more genetically different nuclei.

Ascomycota

A phylum of fungi known as sac fungi, including yeasts and molds, that produce ascospores.

Basidiomycota

A phylum of fungi known as club fungi, which includes mushrooms and puffballs.

Mycelium

The vegetative part of a fungus composed of a mass of hyphae.

Hyphae

The thread-like structures that make up the body of a fungus.

Conidia

Asexual, non-motile spores produced by some fungi at the tips of hyphae.

Zygospore

A thick-walled resting spore formed by the fusion of gametangia in some fungi.

Plasmogamy

The fusion of the cytoplasm of two parent cells in fungi.

Karyogamy

The merger of two nuclei from parent cells in fungi, resulting in a diploid cell.

Mycorrhizae

Symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots that enhance nutrient absorption.

Lichens

Mutualistic associations between fungi and photosynthetic organisms (like algae or cyanobacteria).

Septate hyphae

Hyphae that are divided into distinct cells by septa.

Coenocytic hyphae

Hyphae that are not divided by septa and contain multiple nuclei in a continuous cytoplasmic mass.

Spores

Asexual reproductive cells that can develop into a new organism.

Dikaryotic

A term describing cells with two distinct haploid nuclei.

Chytridiomycota

A phylum of fungi characterized by aquatic species, often with flagellated spores.

Zygomycetes

Fungi that produce zygospores; characterized by coenocytic hyphae.