M2 - Fungi and Animals Flashcards
What are protists
Eukaryotes that are not fungi, animals or plants
What are characteristics of protists
They are generally unicellular and not a monophylitic group
Why are protists unicellular
Because multicellularity evolved several times in eukaryotes
When did fungi evolve
1.5 billion years ago, before land plants
Are fungi a monophyletic group
Yes
What are the synapomorphies of fungi (3)
- Cell wall contains chitin
- Extracellular digestion
- Mycelium
Why is chitin important in fungi
It protects them against environmental stress
Explain fungi extracellular digestion
- Secrete enzymes into environment
- Enzymes break down food into small molecules
- Small molecules are absorbed by mycelium through membrane proteins
What is the structure of mycelium
They are a network of individual branching proteins called hyphae
What is the role of mycelium
Transport proteins and import nutrients
What do fungi decompose
- Dead plant biomass
- Cellulose
- Lignin (macromolecule in wood)
How do fungi provide nutrients
Fungi mycelium live in plant roots and exchange mineral nutrients for sugars
What are the roles of fungi
- Decomposer
- Nutrient provide
How do fungi create mycorrhizal associations
Fungal hyphae penetrate plant roots, root cell membranes form specialized structure for nutrient exchange
What is mycorrhizae
Symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots
When did animals evolve
After fungi and plants
Whats the benefits of animals being multicellular
- Allows cell coordination, communication and specialization
- Allows different cells to exist due to differential gene expression
- Allows animals to grow larger and access more food
What are the synapomoprhies of animals
- Movement
- Ingestion
Explain animal movement
At some point in their life, all animals move in some way. Some only move for a small portion of their life
What does ingestion mean
Animals can consume food packets of their choice
What does it mean for an animal to be sessile
To be stationary or fixed in place
What are the 3 types of animal symmetry
- Asymmetry
- Radial symmetry
- Bilateral symmetry
What is cephalization
A distinct head region with a mouth, sensory organs and brain, and tail region with anus and muscles for movement
Why is cephalization important
Helps in sensory systems and complex movement.
