Fungi Flashcards
What are the two main types of fungi based on their feeding habits?
Saprophytic and Parasitic
Saprophytic fungi feed on dead organic matter, while parasitic fungi absorb food from a live host.
What is an example of a saprophytic fungus?
Mushroom
Mushrooms are common examples of fungi that feed on decaying organic matter.
What types of parasitic fungi exist?
Facultative and Obligate
Facultative fungi may be parasitic but are not always, while obligate fungi must live off a live host.
What is an example of an obligate parasitic fungus?
Certain types of mildew
Obligate fungi require a live host for survival.
What is an example of a poisonous fungus?
Deathcap
The Deathcap mushroom is well-known for being highly toxic.
What is the structure of Rhizopus primarily made of?
Hyphae
Hyphae are fibrous, thread-like structures that make up the body of the fungus.
What type of spores do Rhizopus produce during asexual reproduction?
Haploid spores
The nuclei of hyphae in Rhizopus are haploid, leading to the formation of haploid spores.
What is a group of hyphae called?
Mycelium
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae.
What do rhizoids do in Rhizopus?
Increase surface area for nutrient absorption and anchor the fungus
Rhizoids help the fungus to secure itself and absorb nutrients more effectively.
What are stolons in the context of Rhizopus?
Hyphae that grow sideways
Stolons facilitate the spread of the fungus by growing horizontally.
What is the function of the sporangium in Rhizopus?
Contains cells that divide by meiosis to form spores
The sporangium is crucial for the reproduction of Rhizopus through spore formation.
What happens to the sporangium after it dries up?
It releases the spores
The release of spores allows for the propagation of the fungus.
What occurs when fungi from opposite strains meet?
They grow swellings that touch each other
This interaction is part of the sexual reproduction process in fungi.
What is formed when the nuclei move into the swellings of touching fungi?
Progametangia
Progametangia precede the formation of gametangia during sexual reproduction.
What is the process that occurs after the walls of gametangia dissolve?
Fertilization occurs
The dissolution of gametangia walls allows for the fusion of gametes.
What is formed when diploid zygote nuclei combine?
Diploid zygote nuclei are formed
This is the initial stage in the life cycle of certain fungi.
What surrounds the diploid zygote nuclei?
A zygospore forms around the nuclei
The zygospore is crucial for the survival and reproduction of the organism.
What process occurs when a zygospore germinates under favorable conditions?
The zygospore germinates by meiosis
Meiosis leads to the formation of haploid spores.
What grows out of the zygospore after it germinates?
A hypha grows out of the zygospore
Hyphae are essential for the growth and nutrient absorption of fungi.
What type of reproduction occurs in yeast?
Asexual reproduction occurs (budding)
Budding is a common method of reproduction in yeast where the parent cell divides.
What is a key characteristic of yeast?
Yeast is a unicellular fungus
Yeast plays a significant role in fermentation processes.
What does the yeast cell contain?
It contains:
* nucleus
* food stores
* fat granules
* vacuole
* cell wall made of chitin
These structures are essential for yeast’s survival and reproduction.
How does yeast reproduce asexually?
The parent cell divides by mitosis and the daughter cell ‘buds off’
This method allows rapid population increase under suitable conditions.
What beneficial uses does yeast have?
Yeast can be used to make:
* bread
* alcohol
Fermentation by yeast is critical in baking and brewing industries.
What are some harmful effects of fungi?
Fungi can cause diseases such as:
* ringworm
* athlete’s foot
* plant diseases like potato blight
These diseases can affect both humans and plants.
What is the first step in the Growth of Leaf Yeasts Experiment?
Cut a small branch from a sycamore tree
This step is crucial for collecting samples for the experiment.
What does asepsis refer to?
Some unwanted microorganisms are removed
Aseptic techniques are essential in laboratory settings to prevent contamination.
What does it mean for an environment to be sterile?
ALL microorganisms are removed
Sterility is vital for accurate scientific experiments and medical procedures.
What should be done to ensure a sterile workspace?
Wipe down the workspace with disinfectant
This step helps minimize the risk of contamination.
What is the purpose of sterilizing forceps with a Bunsen Burner?
To eliminate any microorganisms that may be present
This is a critical step in maintaining aseptic conditions during experiments.
What should be placed on the lid of a Petri dish containing malt agar for optimal fungi growth?
A spot of petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly helps create a suitable environment for fungi growth.
How should the Petri dish be opened during the experiment?
The smallest amount for the shortest period of time
This minimizes contamination and maintains optimal conditions.
What is the first step involving the leaf in the experiment?
Cut a leaf off of the branch
The leaf serves as a source of yeasts for the experiment.
How should the leaf be attached to the Petri dish?
Using forceps stick the leaf to the lid of the Petri dish
This ensures proper placement and contact.
What is used to seal the Petri dish after placing the leaf?
Parafilm
Parafilm helps prevent contamination and moisture loss.
What should be done with the control dish?
Seal a dish without a leaf
The control dish helps compare results with the experimental dish.
At what temperature should the dishes be incubated?
25 degrees
This temperature is optimal for yeast growth.
How long should the dishes be left in the incubator?
3-4 days
This duration allows for sufficient growth of colonies.
What indicates a positive result in the experiment?
Pink colonies are formed on the dish
The appearance of pink colonies suggests successful yeast growth.
What might it indicate if no leaf yeasts are present?
The area may be polluted
Contamination can interfere with the experiment’s results.
