Characteristics, Structure, and Classification of Fungi

Vocabulary flashcards covering the characteristics, structures, classification, and ecological roles of fungi based on lecture notes.

Fungi

A kingdom of eukaryotic heterotrophs that are stationary, have cell walls containing chitin, and digest nutrients externally with enzymes before absorbing them.

Chitin

A material found in the cell walls of fungi, which is the same substance that makes up the exoskeleton of insects.

Mycelium

A mesh of microscopic branching filaments, usually found on or below the surface, adapted for the absorption of nutrients.

Hypha

A single microscopic branching filament that makes up the mycelium and other structures of a fungus.

Fruiting Body

The reproductive structure of a fungus consisting of the parts above ground, specifically the cap, gills, and stalk.

Cap

The top part of the fruiting body that protects the spores.

Gills

Structures located under the cap of a fungus that contain the spores.

Stalk

The stem-like part of the fungal fruiting body above ground.

Chytridiomycota (chytrids)

The only phylum of fungi with swimming spores; most members are saprophytes and can be single-celled or multicellular.

Zygomycota (zygomycetes)

A phylum of fungi that includes some bread and fruit moulds, truffles, and many soil fungi; many are parasites of insects.

Glomeromycota (glomeromycetes)

A phylum of fungi in which all members form symbiotic relationships with plant roots.

Ascomycota (ascomycetes)

A phylum including yeast and fungi that cause plant diseases or skin infections like ringworm and athlete's foot.

Basidiomycota

A phylum of fungi including mushrooms, puffballs, and bracket fungi; most are decomposers.

Budding

The specific method of asexual reproduction used by yeast.

Zygospore

A diploid spore produced during sexual reproduction when compatible haploid parent hyphae fuse.

Dispersal

The process by which spores are spread by air currents to new environments for germination.

Microsporum

A genus of ascomycetes that causes skin infections like ringworm, resulting in severe itching.

Saprophyte

An organism that lives on and derives its nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter.

Lichen

The name of the symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria.

Mycorrhizae

A symbiotic relationship between Glomeromycota and plant roots where fungal hyphae help the plant absorb nutrients such as phosphorus.

Penicillium

A type of fungus known for producing an antibiotic.