Lecture 7 - eukaryotic organisms

Question 1

Describe the basic structure of eukaryotic organisms why is it hard to target pathogenic eukaryotes?

Answer 1

Eukaryotic organisms differ to prokaryotic organisms through the absence of cell wall and the presence of chloroplasts or mitochondria depending on plants or animals. Nucleus is also present not the nucleoid that is found in bacteria. Secretory structure include Golgi apparatus for modification, packaging and secretion of material; ER secrete proteins and lipids and microtubules (structure and shape). It is difficult to target pathogenic eukaryotes such as Fungi as they share similarities compared to the human cell. Therefore, oral agents are not used but topical agents instead such as Anti-fungal cream for Tinea (athlete’s foot)

Unique membranes and no universal cell wall structure
Filament that detemrine shape and motion
Membrane based secretory systems

Question 2

List 4 types of eukaryotic micro-organisms

Answer 2

Fungi, Microalgae, Protists and Slime molds

Question 3

Describe the endosymbiosis theory what lead to this?

Answer 3

The endosymbiosis theory states that the evolution of eukaryotic cells existed through the consumption of a prokaryotic cell. The mitochondria within an eukaryotic cell is believed to be of prokaryotic origin. The evidence behind this theory states that mitochondria and chloroplasts are bacterial origin with 16s rRNA bacterial type rRNA genes. Furthermore, studies of the toxicity of early environment suggested that the prokaryotic organism ‘hid’ inside the eukaryotic cell to increase survival.

Question 4

Explain the process of fungal reproduction

Answer 4

Fungi have:
Asexual and sexual life cycles
Polymorphic life stages (e.g. hyphae, fruiting bodies and spores)

Question 5

What are the different types of fungal structure?

Answer 5

Single celled microscopic fungi-yeast

Filamentous and vegetative form- thallus