Chapter 31: Fungi

Unikonta

A major eukaryotic group that includes amoeba, fungi, animals, and various other protists.

Amoebozoa

One of the two main groups of Unikonta, which includes slime molds and other amoebas.

Opisthokonta

The other main group of Unikonta, consisting of animals, choanoflagellates, fungi, and nucleariids.

Synapomorphy

A shared derived character that defines a clade; for fungi, it is the cell wall made of glucans and chitin.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that absorb nutrients without ingestion, unlike autotrophs.

Mycelia

Masses formed by the filaments (hyphae) of fungi.

Hyphae

Filamentous structures that make up the body of a fungus, can be single-celled or multi-celled.

Coenocyte

A fungal structure that is a single large cell containing multiple nuclei.

Plasmogamy

The fusion of cytoplasm from two different mating types in fungi.

Karyogamy

The fusion of nuclei in fungi, resulting in a diploid cell.

Asexual reproduction (in fungi)

Process by which fungi produce spores through mitosis.

Mycorrhizal fungi

Fungi that form mutualistic associations with plant roots, aiding in nutrient exchange.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae

A type of mycorrhizae that involves haustoria which penetrate plant root cells.

Ectomycorrhizae

Fungi that form superficial sheaths around plant roots.

Chytrids

An early fungal lineage with flagellated spores, some are parasites of amphibians.

Ascomycetes (Ascomycota)

A diverse group of fungi that includes yeasts and sac fungi, characterized by sexual spores formed in asci.

Basidiomycetes (Basidiomycota)

A group of fungi including mushrooms, puffballs, and shelf fungi, known for their basidia.

Penicillium

A genus of fungi that produces penicillin, an antibiotic used against bacterial infections.

Lichens

Symbiotic associations between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria; can survive in harsh environments.

Haustoria

Specialized structures used by fungi to penetrate host plant cells.

Dikaryon

A cell containing two different haploid nuclei, typically seen in the life cycle of fungi.

Glucans

Polysaccharides made of glucose, forming part of the cell wall in fungi.

Chitin

A complex carbohydrate that makes up the cell wall of fungi.

Ergotism

A condition caused by ingestion of ergot alkaloids from fungus Claviceps purpurea, affecting rye.

Symbiosis

A mutually beneficial relationship between different organisms, such as fungi and plants.

Fungal parasites

Fungi that feed on living hosts, causing diseases in plants and animals.

Decomposers

Organisms, including many fungi, that break down dead material and recycle nutrients.

Nucleariids

A group of protists closely related to fungi, important in studying fungal evolution.

Fungal spores

Reproductive structures in fungi that can be produced asexually or sexually.

Athlete's foot

A common fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes.

Zoospores

Motile asexual spores with flagella found in some fungal lineages, such as chytrids.

Fungal mycosis

A fungal infection in animals, can be systemic or superficial.

Living fungi

Includes various species that contribute to ecosystems through decomposition or symbiosis.

Rhizopus

Commonly known as black bread mold; a species in the Mucormycetes that decomposes organic material.

Morels

Edible mushrooms belonging to the Ascomycota group, often sought after for their culinary value.

Truffles

A type of subterranean ascomycete fungus, prized as a delicacy.

Basidiocarps

Fruiting bodies produced by basidiomycetes, commonly known as mushrooms.

Penicillin

An antibiotic derived from the mold Penicillium, effective against bacterial infections.

Ectomycorrhizae

Fungi that associate with plant roots and help in nutrient exchange while forming a protective sheath.

Glomeromycetes

Fungi that form arbuscular mycorrhizae and have a mutualistic relationship with plants.

Endophytes

Fungi that live inside plant tissues and may provide protection against pests.

Magic mushrooms

Mushrooms containing psychoactive compounds, primarily psilocybin, used recreationally.

Cordyceps

A genus of parasitic fungi that infect insects and can alter the behavior of their hosts.

Lignin

A complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of many plants, decomposed by specific fungi.

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria that can form symbiotic relationships with fungi in lichens.

Heterotrophic nutrition

The mode of nutrition used by fungi, where they absorb nutrients from external sources.

Karyotypic fusion

The process where two haploid nuclei fuse to form a diploid nucleus in fungal reproduction.

Cytoplasmic fusion

The merging of the cytoplasm of two cells, typical in the reproductive stage of fungi.

Mushroom identification

The process of identifying mushrooms based on characteristics, which includes knowing edible vs. poisonous species.

Genomic studies

Research involving the examination of genomes to understand evolutionary relationships among fungi.

Destructive fungi

Fungi that cause diseases in crops, leading to economic impacts on agriculture.

Fungal ecology

The study of how fungi interact with their environment and other organisms.

Mycorrhizae significance

The crucial role of mycorrhizal fungi in soil health and plant nutrient acquisition.