BMSC210 CH5.2 Fungi Flashcards
What are the unique characteristics of fungi?
They are heterotrophic and typically saprophytic.
Why are fungi included in the field of microbiology?
Unicellular yeasts and spores of macroscopic fungi are microscopic.
How are fungi important in the environment?
Act as decomposers
What is a major source of antibiotics produced by fungi?
Penicillin from Penicillium
What are most multicellular fungal bodies called?
Moulds
What are the filaments in fungal bodies called?
Hyphae
What is a tangled network of hyphae called?
Mycelium
What are hyphae with walls between cells called?
Septate hyphae
What are hyphae without walls and cell membranes between cells called?
Nonseptate or coenocytic hyphae
How do unicellular fungi (yeasts) form pseudohyphae?
By budding off a smaller daughter cell
What are dimorphic fungi?
Fungi that can appear as yeasts or molds
Why is the ability to change appearance important?
It helps dimorphic fungi to survive in different environments
What is the unique component in fungal cell walls?
Chitin
What is the unique sterol found in fungal cell membranes?
Ergosterols
What are ergosterols exploited as?
Targets for antifungal drugs
