Biodiversity - Fungi

Question 1

Fungi characteristics

Answer 1

eukaryotic; reproduce using spores; heterotrophic

Question 2

how do fungi obtain nutrients

Answer 2

release enzymes on dead organic matter and then absorb the nutrients through the cell wall (are classified as saprobes)

Question 3

common structures of fungi

Answer 3

1. hyphae
2. Mycelium
3. cell wall made of chitin

Question 4

Hyphae

Answer 4

thread-like filaments that make up the body of the fungi

Question 5

Mycelium

Answer 5

tangled mass of filaments used for absorbing nutrients

Question 6

what is the cell wall made of

Answer 6

made of chitin

Question 7

what is chitin made of

Answer 7

made of carbohydrates

Question 8

how do fungi reproduce

Answer 8

mostly sexually and asexually; use spores (haploid cells)

Question 9

how many divisions of fungi are there and what are they

Answer 9

4 types
1. zygomycota (caselike)
2. ascomycota (saclike)
3. basidiomycota (culblike)
3. imperfect fungi

Question 10

Reproduction process for zygomycota when conditions are good

Answer 10

1. treadlike hyphae called solons spread over the food surface
2. rootlike hyphae called rhizoids extend into the food and absorb nutrients and water
3. reproductive hyphae form sporangia containing 1000’s of spores
4. spores are released, germinate and begin to grow on a new food source

Question 11

Reproduction process for zygomycota when conditions aren’t good

Answer 11

1. zygospores germinate and from new mycelial masses
2. a reproductive hyphae + and - make contact
3. the nuclei join to form a zygospore
4. zygospore remain dormant till conditions are good

Question 12

An example of a zygomycota

Answer 12

breadmould

Question 13

ascomycota examples

Answer 13

mildews, moulds, some yeasts, truffles

Question 14

What are ascomycota spores produced sexually called

Answer 14

spores produced in an ascus (sac) and are called ascospores

Question 15

what are ascomycota spores produced asexually called

Answer 15

conida

Question 16

reproduction in yeasts

Answer 16

1. divide asexually by budding in good conditions
2. in bad conditions; form ascospores by sexual reproduction and stay dormant till conditions are good

Question 17

use of yeasts

Answer 17

carry out fermentation to break down sugar and release energy
the products are CO2 and alcohol

Question 18

what are some things that yeasts can cause

Answer 18

infection and disease in humans and plants

Question 19

what are basidiomycota spores called

Answer 19

Basidia

Question 20

what are the types of basidiomycota

Answer 20

1. many are sabrobs
2. some are parasites

Question 21

examples of basidiomycota fungi

Answer 21

mushrooms, rusts, smuts, puffballs, bracket fungi

Question 22

what can parasitic rusts and smuts cause

Answer 22

cause damage to grain crops

Question 23

imperfect fungi

Answer 23

• not classified in the divisions since they have no known sexual phases
• many cause diseases in plants and animals

Question 24

examples of imperfect fungi

Answer 24

1. penicillium
2. trichophyton rubrum which is the cause of Athlete’s Foot

Question 25

Fungi associations

Answer 25

1. symbiotic
2. symbiosis

Question 26

what is a symbiotic relationship

Answer 26

mutually beneficial relationship between fungi and other organisms

Question 27

example of symbiotic relationship

Answer 27

Lichens fungus (provides water, minerals and protection) and Algae (provides nourishment by photosynthesis)

Question 28

example of symbiosis

Answer 28

animal fungus (food for ants) + leaf cutting ants (provide leaves for food, remove competing fungi)