Characteristics of Fungi Flashcards
What is the key cellular characteristic of fungi?
• Fungi are eukaryotes, meaning they have a nucleus.
How do fungi obtain their energy?
• Fungi are achlorophyllous, so they lack chlorophyll and are not capable of photosynthesis.
• They obtain their energy through other means.
What is the preferred oxygen requirement of fungi?
• Fungi are obligate aerobes, which means they require oxygen for growth.
Where can saprophytic fungi typically be found?
• Saprophytic fungi inhabit water, soil, and decaying organic debris.
• They do not have roots or stems and are referred to as thallophytes.
What are the main components of a fungal cell wall and cell membrane?
• Fungal cell walls are made of chitin, and the cell membrane contains ergosterol.
• Fungi require high humidity for growth.
What is the difference between monomorphic and dimorphic fungi?
• Monomorphic fungi exist only as either yeast or mold.
• Dimorphic fungi can exist as either yeast or mold depending on environmental conditions.
What is the influence of temperature on dimorphism in fungi?
• It is temperature-dependent, meaning it can change in response to temperature variations.
