Exam 3 Specific words Flashcards
Chytrids
Type of fungi that are aquatic
Hyphae
- make up the mycelium fungus body
- kind of like individual parts like cells
- made of chitin
- two different types of hyphae: septate (individulised segments with walls and stuff) and coenocytic (no walls all blended together)
- feed by absorbing simple organic compounds (soak up nutrients like a sponge, digestive enzymes released and then soaked up broken parts so like digesting but outside their body)
rapid growth at hyphal tips toward new food (no motile feeding cells) - huge total surface area for absorption
Chitin
Chitin is a tough, protective material found in nature. It’s similar to the keratin in your nails or the cellulose in plants, but it’s unique to certain organisms. For example:
- In fungi, it’s part of their cell walls, giving them structure and support.
- In animals like crabs, lobsters, and insects, chitin forms part of their hard outer shells or exoskeletons.
Think of it as nature’s version of lightweight armor—strong yet flexible. It helps protect organisms while also allowing them to grow and move. Let me know if you’d like a fun analogy or deeper details about chitin!
Septate
Septate hyphae: These have internal walls called septa that divide the hyphae into individual compartments or “cells.” Each compartment contains its own nucleus and organelles, but the septa have small openings (pores) that allow the exchange of materials between compartments.
- In septate hyphae, the cytoplasmic streaming (movement of cytoplasm within the hyphae - distributes materials through the fungal structure) occurs through the pores in the septa.
Coenocytic
- Coenocytic hyphae: These do not have septa dividing them into compartments, so the hyphae are essentially a continuous tube filled with cytoplasm and multiple nuclei. This makes them look like one giant cell. It’s like a large open hall where everything flows freely without barriers.
- In coenocytic hyphae, the cytoplasm and materials moves freely because there are no walls to restrict it.
hydrolytic enzymes
Hydrolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down large molecules into smaller ones by using water in the process. They are like scissors for biological materials, cutting complex substances like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into simpler forms that organisms can easily use for energy or growth.
appressoria
This means that certain fungi use specialized structures called appressoria to penetrate plant tissues. Appressoria are like tiny suction cups or pressure tools that fungi develop at the tips of their hyphae (thread-like structures). These structures apply immense physical force or release enzymes to break through the tough outer layers of plants, such as the cuticle or cell walls. Once inside, the fungi can access nutrients or establish a parasitic or symbiotic relationship with the plant.
Think of appressoria as the fungi’s “battering ram” or “key” to unlock the plant’s defenses. They are crucial for fungal pathogens to infect plants or for mycorrhizal fungi to form beneficial associations. Let me know if you’d like to explore this further!
haustoria
Appressoria and haustoria are specialized structures used by fungi, but they serve different purposes:
-
Appressoria:
- These are external structures formed by fungi to penetrate the surface of a host plant.
- They act like “pressure tools,” generating immense force to break through the plant’s outer barriers, such as the cuticle or cell walls.
- Appressoria are typically involved in the initial infection process, helping fungi establish entry into the host.
-
Haustoria:
- These are internal structures formed after the fungi successfully invade the host.
- Haustoria penetrate the host’s cells and act like “feeding tubes,” extracting nutrients from the host without immediately killing the cell.
- They are specialized for nutrient absorption and biochemical interactions with the host.
In summary, appressoria are like the fungi’s “battering ram” for entry, while haustoria are their “straws” for feeding once inside.
- PLASMA MEMBRANE NOT PENETRATED, DOES NOT KILL HOST PLANT CELL
spores
- made in both sexual and asexual cycles
- dispersed by air and water to new resources
Mycelium
Mycelium is like the “roots” of fungi—it’s a network of tiny thread-like structures called hyphae that spread through soil or other materials. Its job is to break down organic matter and absorb nutrients, helping the fungus grow and sometimes even producing mushrooms as its “fruits.”
Think of mycelium like an underground internet for fungi. Just like the internet connects people and shares information, mycelium connects fungi and even plants, transporting nutrients and communicating signals across the ecosystem. It’s an invisible, hardworking network that feeds and grows
Fragmentation
type of asexual reproduction, bits of mycelium split off can grow into new individual. That’s like if i tore a piece of bread into a buncha other pieces and each new piece gave me a whole ass new piece of bread - sourdough starter kinda
Budding
Budding in fungal reproduction is a type of asexual reproduction where a small outgrowth, called a bud, forms on the parent cell. This bud grows and eventually detaches to become an independent organism. The process involves the parent cell’s nucleus dividing, with one nucleus migrating into the bud. Yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly reproduce through budding. It’s a simple and efficient way for fungi to multiply! Let me know if you’d like an analogy or more details.
Oldest fungal fossils
~460 mya
Mycorrhizae
Mycorrhizae are a type of symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots. In this partnership, the fungi help plants absorb water and nutrients (like phosphorus) from the soil, while the plants provide the fungi with sugars and other organic compounds produced through photosynthesis. This relationship is mutually beneficial and plays a crucial role in plant growth and soil health.
Think of mycorrhizae as nature’s underground teamwork, where fungi and plants collaborate to thrive in their environment! Let me know if you’d like to explore more about their types or benefits.
Even the earliest terrestrial plants had mycorrhizae
Earliest lichen fossil
~410 mya
sporangiospores
asexual spores
soredia
Soredia are tiny, powdery structures used by lichens for asexual reproduction. Each soredium consists of fungal hyphae wrapped around a few algal or cyanobacterial cells. These structures are released from the lichen’s surface and dispersed by wind or other means. When they land on a suitable surface, they can grow into a new lichen, continuing the symbiotic relationship.
They’re like nature’s little propagules, ensuring lichens can thrive and spread in diverse environments. Fascinating, right?
mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain fungi, often found in moldy food or crops like cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. These toxins can pose serious health risks to humans and animals, ranging from acute poisoning to long-term effects like immune deficiency and cancer. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and can contaminate food during storage or processing.
Would you like to know how to prevent exposure to mycotoxins?
mycosis
human fungal infections
sporopollenin
protective durable polymer coating for spores and pollen seeds and zygotes and stuff so that it doesnt die when it goes out in the harsh environments
dessication
Desiccation refers to the process of extreme drying or removal of moisture from a substance, organism, or environment. In biology, it often describes the drying out of living tissues, which can lead to damage or death if the organism cannot tolerate such conditions. For example, seeds and spores often undergo desiccation as a natural part of their life cycle to survive harsh environments.
Is there a specific context you’re exploring, like its role in ecosystems or preservation techniques?
sporangium
where spores are produced and stored - spore incubator/factory
gametangia
Gametangia are specialized structures in plants, fungi, and some algae where gametes (reproductive cells) are formed. They play a crucial role in sexual reproduction. Female gametangia are called archegonia, producing eggs, while male gametangia are called antheridia, producing sperm. These structures ensure the protection and development of gametes, often within a multicellular jacket.
Would you like to explore their role in specific organisms or ecosystems?
apical meristems
continuously dividing cells
* roots & shoots grow toward resources
Secondary compounds
chemicals that deter, repel or poison
competitors, herbivores, & parasites
rhizoids
Rhizoids are hair-like structures found in non-vascular plants like mosses and liverworts, as well as in fungi and some algae. They serve as anchors, attaching the organism to a surface or substrate. In plants, rhizoids also help absorb water and nutrients, though they are simpler than true roots. In fungi, rhizoids release enzymes to break down organic material for absorption.
They’re like nature’s tiny grappling hooks! Would you like to explore their role in specific organisms?
protonema
baby phase of spores. Spore is embryo and protonema is baby and the gamete is full grown adult
Peristome
A peristome is a specialized structure found in mosses and some other organisms. In mosses, it surrounds the opening of the sporangium (capsule) and consists of tiny, tooth-like projections. These “teeth” help control the release of spores, ensuring they are dispersed gradually rather than all at once. This mechanism aids in effective reproduction and colonization.
It’s like nature’s clever spore dispenser! Would you like to explore more about mosses or their adaptations?
microphylls
single vein (lycophytes only)
megaphylls
branched veins (monilophytes and seed plants and stuff)
sporophylls
leaves that bear sporangia
sori
clusters of sporangia on sporophylls
strobilis
cone-like group of sprongia on sporophylls
relict group
A relict group refers to a population, species, or ecosystem that has survived from an earlier time but is now restricted to a small area or isolated environment. These groups often represent remnants of once widespread distributions that have diminished due to changes in climate, geography, or other factors. For example, certain plants or animals found in specific regions may be considered relict groups because they are remnants of ancient ecosystems.
Would you like to explore examples of relict groups in nature?
dichotomous branching
Dichotomous branching is a type of plant growth where the tip of a stem or root splits into two equal parts, forming two branches. This happens when the apical meristem (the growth region at the tip) divides into two, creating a symmetrical fork-like structure. Unlike other types of branching, these branches are not derived from axillary buds.
This growth pattern is common in non-vascular plants like mosses and some early vascular plants. It’s a fascinating way plants expand and adapt to their environment! Would you like to explore examples of plants with dichotomous branching?
epiphyte
grows on the surface of plants
draw out history of plants
pollen tube
A pollen tube is a structure that forms when a pollen grain lands on a compatible flower’s stigma (the female part of the plant). It grows as a tube-like extension from the pollen grain, traveling down through the style to reach the ovule in the ovary. The pollen tube carries sperm cells, allowing them to fertilize the egg cell inside the ovule. This process is essential for seed formation in flowering plants.
It’s like a delivery system for plant reproduction! Would you like to explore more about how plants reproduce?
monoecious
both sexes on same plant
diecious
each sex on seperate plant
outcrossing
exchanging pollen with other plants to increase genetic diversity.
inflorescence
Inflorescence refers to the arrangement of flowers on a plant’s stem or branch. It can be a single flower or a cluster of flowers organized in specific patterns. This structure plays a key role in reproduction and can vary widely among plant species.
Would you like to explore the different types of inflorescence?
cotyledon
A cotyledon is the first leaf (or leaves) that sprouts from a seed when a plant starts growing. It provides nutrients to the young plant until it can grow true leaves and make its own food through photosynthesis. Think of it as the plant’s “starter pack” for life!
concurrent exchangers
Here’s an explanation in simple terms:
Marine mammals and birds have a special arrangement of blood vessels called countercurrent exchangers, which help them conserve heat in cold environments. Here’s how it works:
- Countercurrent Exchange: Blood vessels carrying warm blood from the body (arteries) run close to blood vessels returning cold blood from the extremities (veins).
- Heat Transfer: As the warm blood flows outward, it transfers heat to the cold blood flowing inward. This warms the returning blood while cooling the blood going to the extremities.
- Reduced Heat Loss: By the time blood reaches the extremities (like flippers or feet), it’s already cooler, so less heat is lost to the surroundings. The body retains more heat overall.
This system is like a built-in thermal recycling mechanism, allowing animals to stay warm without wasting energy. Ingenious, isn’t it?
