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Medical Microbiology > 11 Mycology > Flashcards

11 Mycology Flashcards

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USMLE® Step 1 flashcards Biology 101 flashcards
1
Q

What are the characteristics of fungi?

A 
Microscopic
Eukaryotic
Possess a nucleus
Have several chromosomes
DO NOT all look the same (different shapes and structures)
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2
Q

Which fungi are most important medically?

A

Yeasts or filamentous fungi

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3
Q

Are fungi harmful?

A

Some can be, eg produce contaminants

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4
Q

What are fungi a source of?

A

Antibiotics

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5
Q

What is the fungi cell wall made from?

A

Polysaccharide mainly β-glucan with mannan and chitin

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6
Q

What temperature do most medically important fungi grow optimally at?

A

Around 20-25°C

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7
Q

Where do most fungi tend to exist?

A

Outside the body

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8
Q

What does the growth of fungi include?

A

Vegetative growth and spore formation

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9
Q

In what conditions will vegetative growth occur?

A

During times of access to a rich supply of nutrients

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10
Q

In what conditions will sporulation used?

A

Used as a strategy to allow an organism to persist under harsh conditions

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11
Q

Does fungal growth involve sexual or asexual reproduction?

A

Both

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12
Q

What are the properties of yeast?

A

Unicellular, spherical fungi
Typical diameter around 10um
Facultative anaerobes (can live with or without anaerobes)

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13
Q

How do yeasts replicate asexually?

A

Some undergo binary fission (two identical daughter cells)

Some use budding (small daughter cell buds off from parent cell)

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14
Q

What is Saccharomyces cervisiae used in?

A

Bread making and brewing

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15
Q

Where is Candida albicans found?

A

Intestinal tract, mouth and vagina

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16
Q

What do filamentous fungi look like and why?

A

Typically have a hairy appearance. Due to the hyphal growth of filamentous structures

17
Q

How long can hyphae grow and what does this result in?

A

Can grow to several cm in length which results in an elaborative and extensive branched formation

18
Q

What is the complex mass that hyphae produce called?

A

The mycelium

19
Q

What are the 3 groups of mycosis?

A

Superficial
Cutaneous and subcutaneous
Deep

20
Q

What are superficial infections and give a few examples

A

Affect the surface skin layer
Eg candidas
Eg tinea (ringworm)

21
Q

Describe cutaneous and subcutaneous infections

A

Beneath or within structures like skin, nails and hair

22
Q

Describe a deep infection.

A

Causes infection within the body eg aspergillosis (farmers lung)

23
Q

Are fungal infections fatal?

A

Unlikely to be fatal but highly unpleasant.

Could possibly be fatal in immunocomprimised patients

24
Q

Are antibacterial agent effective against fungi?

A

No

25
Q

Are anti-eukaryotic compounds safe to use? Explain answer.

A

No because they could effect the patient

26
Q

What are the differences between the membrane composition in human and fungal cells?

A

Cholesterol is found in mammals. Ergosterol is a derivative of cholesterol and is found in fungi - fungi need it to survive

27
Q

How can the biosynthesis of ergosterol be restricted?

A

By blocking steps in the pathway which would inhibit the reaction carried out by the enzymes

28
Q

What are the two cellular features which can be used to identify antifungals?

A

Cell wall

Cell membrane

29
Q

What are the names of the 4 main antifungal agents used

A

Polyenes
Azoles
Allylamines
Echinocandins

30
Q

What are the chemical properties of polyene antifungals?

A

Poly-unsaturated organic molecules with 3 or more alternating C=C and C-C bonds
Large macrolide lactone ring
Several hydroxyl groups

31
Q

What are polyene antifungals active against?

A

Fungal pathogens

32
Q

What can prolonged use of polyene antifungals do?

A

Prolonged use can pose renal problems - reserved for serious systemic infections

Medical Microbiology (9 decks)

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