CA_Lesson_03_Introduction_to_Fungi Flashcards
What are aseptate hyphae?
Hyphae that have no septa
Aseptate hyphae allow cytoplasm and organelles to flow freely.
What are septate hyphae?
Hyphae divided into cells by cross walls called septa
Septa allow nutrients and organelles to flow between cells.
What is a spore?
A haploid reproductive cell
Spores develop into a new haploid organism.
What is mycelium?
A netlike mass formed by branching hyphae
Mycelium is the main part of the fungus, typically underground.
Which term describes the portion of the mushroom that is visible above the ground?
Fruiting body
The fruiting body is responsible for spore production.
Which method does not describe how fungi obtain food?
Photosynthesis
Fungi are heterotrophs and do not perform photosynthesis.
What are the three ways in which heterotrophic fungi get nutrition?
- Saprophytic Fungi
- Parasitic Fungi
- Mutualistic Fungi
What is saprophytic fungi?
Fungi that feed on dead organisms or organic wastes
They recycle nutrients back into food webs.
What is parasitic fungi?
Fungi that absorb nutrients from the living cells of another organism
They produce specialized hyphae to invade host tissues.
What is mutualistic fungi?
Fungi that live in a mutualistic relationship with a plant or alga
The fungus aids in water and mineral absorption for the plant.
What are the methods of asexual reproduction in fungi?
- Budding
- Fragmentation
- Spore reproduction
What is budding in fungi?
A method of reproduction where a new cell develops while attached to the parent cell
The new cell separates as the plasma membrane pinches off.
What is fragmentation in fungi?
Asexual reproduction when the mycelium is physically broken apart
Fragments can grow into new mycelia if conditions are suitable.
What is spore production in fungi?
A method of reproduction that can be asexual or sexual
Most fungi reproduce through spore production.
What is the composition of fungal cell walls?
Chitin
Chitin is a strong, flexible polysaccharide.
What distinguishes the cell walls of fungi from those of plants?
Fungi have cell walls composed of chitin, while plants have cellulose
This difference is fundamental to the classification of these organisms.
What is a sporangium?
A sac or case in which spores are produced
Sporangia are specific to the species of fungus.
Are fungi unicellular or multicellular?
Mostly multicellular, with some unicellular forms like yeast
Unicellular fungi, such as yeast, are useful to humans but can also be infectious.
Which structures of fungi are different from plants?
Cell walls
Fungi have chitin in their cell walls, while plants have cellulose.
Which can be used for asexual and sexual reproduction?
Spores
Spores can develop into either haploid or diploid organisms.
