fungi

Question 1

What are fungi?

Answer 1

diverse group of free-living eukaryotic microorganisms.

Question 2

Can fungi be unicellular or multicellular?

Answer 2

Both unicellular or multicellular.

Question 3

How do fungi typically survive?

Answer 3

degrading organic matter.

Question 4

Are Fungi similar to other eukaryotic cells?

Answer 4

Yes but they have differences

Question 5

What is a major difference in the cell membrane of fungi?

Answer 5

It contains ergosterol instead of cholesterol, which is found in animal cells.

Question 6

What surrounds a fungal cell, and how is it different from other cells?

Answer 6

rigid cell wall, which is different from bacterial and plant cell walls in its composition.

Question 7

Does the fungal cell wall change during morphologic transitions?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

What immune cell directs the response against fungi?

Answer 8

TH17

Question 9

What role do Toll-like receptors play in fungal immunity?

Answer 9

Recognizing zymosan and other fungal components to activate the immune response.

Question 10

What does TH17 recognize on the fungal cell wall?

Answer 10

zymosan, a toxin on the fungal cell wall.

Question 11

What other immune cells are involved in the immune response to fungi?

Answer 11

TH1 and TH2 cells are also involved, and they are associated with infections like malaria.

Question 12

How can changes in the environment affect fungi?

Answer 12

Causes fungi overgrow and cause:
Opportunistic infections like thrush and athlete’s foot.
Environmental reservoirs: fungal infections from soil

Question 12

Fungi Can Be Good for What?

Answer 12

Mushrooms are a good source of antioxidant, protein, and fiber
Fungi help produce-alcohol and bread

Question 13

What beneficial product does Penicillium mold produce?

Answer 13

antibiotic penicillin

Question 14

How is fungal growth controlled in the body?

Answer 14

competent immune system

Question 15

When does fungi multiply in the body?

Answer 15

when conditions are favorable for growth.

Question 16

What can cause opportunistic fungal infections?

Answer 16

Immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV, are more likely to develop opportunistic fungal infections.

Question 17

How can the use of unsanitary inhalers lead to fungal infections?

Answer 17

Introduce fungi into the respiratory system, leading to infections.

Question 18

What is a risk factor for fungal infections from antibiotics?

Answer 18

can disrupt normal microbial flora, making the body more susceptible to fungal infections.

Question 19

What is Cryptococcus gattii?

Answer 19

type of fungus that can cause a serious infection called C. gattii cryptoccosis which primarily affects the lungs.

Question 20

How does Cryptococcus gattii affect the lungs?

Answer 20

can form large masses in the lungs, which may require surgery to remove, as the infection can grow to the size of a tumor before being treated.