11 Mycology Flashcards
What are the characteristics of fungi?
Microscopic Eukaryotic Possess a nucleus Have several chromosomes DO NOT all look the same (different shapes and structures)
Which fungi are most important medically?
Yeasts or filamentous fungi
Are fungi harmful?
Some can be, eg produce contaminants
What are fungi a source of?
Antibiotics
What is the fungi cell wall made from?
Polysaccharide mainly β-glucan with mannan and chitin
What temperature do most medically important fungi grow optimally at?
Around 20-25°C
Where do most fungi tend to exist?
Outside the body
What does the growth of fungi include?
Vegetative growth and spore formation
In what conditions will vegetative growth occur?
During times of access to a rich supply of nutrients
In what conditions will sporulation used?
Used as a strategy to allow an organism to persist under harsh conditions
Does fungal growth involve sexual or asexual reproduction?
Both
What are the properties of yeast?
Unicellular, spherical fungi
Typical diameter around 10um
Facultative anaerobes (can live with or without anaerobes)
How do yeasts replicate asexually?
Some undergo binary fission (two identical daughter cells)
Some use budding (small daughter cell buds off from parent cell)
What is Saccharomyces cervisiae used in?
Bread making and brewing
Where is Candida albicans found?
Intestinal tract, mouth and vagina
What do filamentous fungi look like and why?
Typically have a hairy appearance. Due to the hyphal growth of filamentous structures
How long can hyphae grow and what does this result in?
Can grow to several cm in length which results in an elaborative and extensive branched formation
What is the complex mass that hyphae produce called?
The mycelium
What are the 3 groups of mycosis?
Superficial
Cutaneous and subcutaneous
Deep
What are superficial infections and give a few examples
Affect the surface skin layer
Eg candidas
Eg tinea (ringworm)
Describe cutaneous and subcutaneous infections
Beneath or within structures like skin, nails and hair
Describe a deep infection.
Causes infection within the body eg aspergillosis (farmers lung)
Are fungal infections fatal?
Unlikely to be fatal but highly unpleasant.
Could possibly be fatal in immunocomprimised patients
Are antibacterial agent effective against fungi?
No
