11: Fungi

Question 1

Fungi are contained within what lineage (and which two other large groups are also contained in this lineage)? [Also, what did this lineage used to be called?]

Answer 1

Amorphea (animals and amoebozoa) -> formerly Unikonts, as they were thought to have one flagellum

Question 2

Within the Amorphaea, which slightly more specific group contains fungi?

Answer 2

Opisthokonts (animals and fungi)

Question 3

Name (and describe in one or two words) the 5 main groups of fungi

Answer 3

Basidomycota/Club Fungi (basidia pedestals -> spores); Asomycota/Cap Fungi (asci sacs -> spores); Glomeromycota (plant mutualists); Chytridomycota (single-celled aquatic fungi, zoospores); Microsporidia (single-celled parasites)

Question 4

What is the key feature of Glomeromycota and what is its function?

Answer 4

Arbuscules - site of nutrient exchange (P for Carbon) between the fungus and plant

Question 5

What are yeasts?

Answer 5

Non-filamentous fungi

Question 6

What group of fungi is formed by the Basidomycota and Ascomycota, and what is the common feature?

Answer 6

Dikarya – they both have a stage of the life cycle in which their cells have two genetically different nuclei (separation of plasmogamy and karyogamy)

Question 7

Define Hyphae

Answer 7

Tubular filaments, sometimes divided into separate cells by septae (seen in many higher fungi)

Question 8

What is notable about the growth of hyphae?

Answer 8

They show tip growth rather than overall growth - chitin synthase functions in the tips

Question 9

Define Mycelium and state its function

Answer 9

Dense mass of hyphae (increases SA:Vol Ratio for Absorption)

Question 10

Name the three types of heterotrophy seen in fungi

Answer 10

Saprotrophy, Mutualism, Parasitism (note: many fungi move between these)