Algae And Fungus Flashcards
What are algae?
Organisms ranging from microscopic unicellular to large seaweeds that are major producers of oxygen and food for animals, and are sources of chemicals and biofuels
Algae have thrived for 1.5 billion years and are integral to the global ecosystem.
What are the distinguishing characteristics of algae?
Photosynthetic, autotrophic, eukaryotic with cellulose cell walls, reproduce asexually and sexually
Asexual reproduction is through mitosis; sexual reproduction occurs under environmental stress.
What types of algae are based on pigments?
Green algae, red algae, brown algae, golden brown algae
Examples include Chlamydomonas (green algae) and Rhodophyta (red algae).
How are algae classified by cellular organization?
Unicellular, filamentous, and colonial
Examples: Chlamydomonas (unicellular), Spirogyra (filamentous), Volvox (colonial).
What is algal bloom?
When algae grow excessively covering large areas of water
This phenomenon can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
What is agar and its significance?
A gelatinous substance used to solidify bacterial growth media, important in scientific research
Agar is derived from seaweeds and is a cheap source for growing microorganisms.
What are biofuels and their relation to algae?
Algae can produce biomass that can be converted into fuels like ethanol
Algae are considered a potential source of biofuels.
What are the characteristics of fungi?
Unicellular to multicellular, eukaryotic, body made of hyphae, cell wall made of chitin, reproduce using spores
Fungi can be heterotrophs, symbionts, or parasites.
What are the major phyla of fungi?
Zygomycota (bread molds), Ascomycota (sac fungi), Basidiomycota (club fungi), Deuteromycota (imperfect fungi)
Examples include Rhizopus (Zygomycota) and Penicillium (Deuteromycota).
What role do fungi play in ecosystems?
Fungi are major decomposers that feed on dead organic matter, converting it into usable forms for plants
They help recycle nutrients in the ecosystem.
What are lichens?
Symbiotic associations between algae and fungi
Lichens are often the first inhabitants of new ecosystems.
What are some uses of fungi in food?
Source of food (mushrooms), used in fermentation, and can spoil foods
Some fungi, like yeast, are important in biotechnology.
What are pathogenic fungi?
Fungi that cause infections in plants and animals, including humans
They can lead to skin infections, eye infections, and crop damage.
What is the role of yeast in biotechnology?
Used to produce various biotechnological products and in wastewater treatment
Yeast is eukaryotic and effective in protein production.
Fill in the blank: Algae are important producers in many food chains, particularly in _______ ecosystems.
aquatic
True or False: Fungi can only reproduce asexually.
False
