CA_Lesson_04_Fungus_Diversity_and_Ecology Flashcards
What is the function of stolons?
To spread across the surface of food
Stolons are specialized hyphae in fungi that help in nutrient absorption by growing across food sources.
How do mycorrhiza benefit a plant?
Increase root surface area for water and mineral absorption
Mycorrhizae are mutualistic relationships between fungi and plant roots.
Which is a unicellular fungi?
Yeast
Yeasts are a group of fungi that are primarily unicellular.
What roles do fungi play in an ecosystem?
- Decomposers: break down dead organic matter
- Cycle matter
- Return elements like nitrogen and carbon to the soil
- Enable soil to retain water
- Produce enzymes that help soil maintain pH
Fungi are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health.
What is a lichen?
A symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or photosynthetic partner
Lichens are important for soil conditioning and are sensitive to pollutants.
Why are lichens important bioindicators?
They are sensitive and responsive to changes in the environment
Lichens can indicate air quality and ecological health.
What are the main characteristics of sac fungi?
- Belong to phylum Ascomycota
- More species than any other phylum
- Most are multicellular, includes unicellular groups (yeasts)
- Reproduce sexually and asexually
Sac fungi are known for their unique reproductive structures called asci.
What is bioremediation?
A process where fungi decompose organic materials in pollutants into harmless substances
This technique utilizes fungi for environmental cleanup.
What are the four major phyla of fungi?
- Chytridiomycota (chytrids)
- Zygomycota (common molds)
- Ascomycota (sac fungi)
- Basidiomycota (club fungi)
These classifications are based on structural and reproductive features.
What type of fungi produce flagellated spores?
Chytrids
Chytridiomycota are primarily aquatic fungi with flagellated spores.
What are basidiocarps?
A type of fruiting body produced by club fungi
Basidiocarps are involved in the sexual reproduction of Basidiomycota.
What is the significance of fungi in human health?
Fungi are used for antibiotics, to relieve high blood pressure, and in food production
Fungi play a vital role in medicine and nutrition.
Fill in the blank: Fungi can parasitize humans and other living organisms, including agricultural crops, causing infections such as _______.
Athlete’s foot, ringworm, yeast infections
These infections are examples of harmful effects caused by fungi.
What are gametangia?
Reproductive structures that contain haploid nuclei
Gametangia are involved in the sexual reproduction of common molds.
What is a basidium?
Club-shaped hyphae that produce spores
Basidia are characteristic of the Basidiomycota phylum.
True or False: Most fungi have a positive effect on the lives of humans.
True
Fungi are essential for nutrient recycling and have various beneficial uses.
What are rhizoids?
Hyphae that penetrate into food and absorb nutrients
Rhizoids are important for the nutrient uptake of common molds.
What do fungi cycle in an ecosystem?
Matter
Fungi are essential for returning nutrients to the soil and cycling matter.
