Fungi Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts in mycology, including evolution, reproduction, diversity, and ecology of fungi.

What are the key characteristics that demonstrate the close relationship between fungi and animals?

Fungi are closely related to animals and both are heterotrophic using absorptive nutrition, secreting enzymes and storing surplus food as glycogen.

What unique features define fungal cell wall chemistry and its impact on cell function?

Fungal cells are enclosed by tough cell walls composed of chitin, restricting mobility and preventing engulfment of food.

Describe the body form of fungi and the roles of hyphae and mycelium.

The main body of most fungi consists of hyphae, which intertwine to form a mycelium, facilitating nutrient absorption.

How do mycelia grow and what role does osmosis play in this process?

Mycelia grow quickly at their edges, providing high surface area for absorption, with osmosis playing a crucial role in tip extension.

Explain the process and advantages of asexual reproduction in fungi.

Fungi reproduce asexually via spores, which can spread rapidly without a mate or meiosis.

Describe the stages of sexual reproduction in fungi, including plasmogamy and karyogamy.

Sexual reproduction in fungi involves the union of gametes, zygote formation, and meiosis, with plasmogamy and karyogamy.

What role do dikaryotic mycelia and fruiting bodies play in fungal reproduction?

Dikaryotic mycelia may produce fruiting bodies, which undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores for reproduction.

How are fungal fruiting bodies adapted for spore dispersal, and what defensive compounds might they contain?

Fruiting bodies have diverse structures adapted for spore dispersal via wind, rain, or animals, and may contain toxins to deter consumption.

What are the key distinguishing features of Cryptomycota, Chytridiomycota, and Microsporidia?

Cryptomycota lack chitin and a rigid cell wall, chytrids produce flagellated cells, and microsporidia are small, parasitic pathogens.

Describe the characteristics that define Zygomycetes, AM fungi, Ascomycetes, and Basidiomycetes.

Zygomycetes have aseptate hyphae, AM fungi form associations with plant roots, ascomycetes produce asci, and basidiomycetes produce basidiospores.

What are the different ecological roles of fungi as decomposers, predators, and parasites?

Decomposer fungi break down organic matter, releasing minerals; some fungi are predators using modified hyphae to capture prey; others are parasites.

What are mycorrhizae and how do they benefit both fungi and plants?

Mycorrhizae are associations between fungi and plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake for plants and providing organic food for fungi.

How do fungal endophytes benefit plants by living within their tissues?

Fungal endophytes live within plant tissues, providing protection against foraging animals, insect pests, and microbial pathogens.

What is the symbiotic relationship in lichens, and what do each of the fungal and photosynthetic partners provide?

Lichens are partnerships between fungi and photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria, with the fungus providing water and minerals, and the photosynthetic partner providing organic food.

Explain the significance of decomposer fungi in ecosystems.

Decomposer fungi recycle organic matter, which is essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

Describe how fungi serve as food and in the production of various products.

Fungi are directly consumed as food (e.g., mushrooms) and are used in the production of bread, beer, wine, and cheese.

What are some notable diseases caused by fungal pathogens in plants and animals?

Fungal pathogens cause significant diseases in plants (e.g., rusts and smuts) and animals (e.g., athlete's foot and ringworm).

Detail the roles of fungi in the carbon cycle and their impact