Microorganisms 4 Fungi Flashcards
What are fungi?
Fungi (singular: fungus) are a group of plantlike organisms which lack chlorophyll.
How many types of fungi are there?
There are some 70,000 types of fungi, some unicellular and some multicellular.
What are the main nutritional types of fungi?
Most fungi are saprophytes, while some are parasites.
Can you name some examples of fungi?
Examples of fungi include yeast, moulds, mushrooms, and mildew.
What is mildew?
Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp clothes, leather, and wood.
What are rusts and smuts?
Rusts and smuts are fungi that cause diseases in plants.
What is yeast?
Yeast is a unicellular fungus known for its ability to turn sugar into alcohol (by fermentation).
How does yeast reproduce?
Yeast reproduces by budding.
Can yeast live in different environments?
Yes, yeast can live both aerobically and anaerobically.
What are moulds?
Moulds are a group of multicellular fungi.
What does mould look like on stale bread?
The greyish fuzzy growth on stale bread is a type of mould.
What does mould look like on rotting oranges?
The bluish growth on rotting oranges is a type of mould.
What is mycelium?
Mycelium is a tangled mass of threadlike structures found in mould.
What are hyphae?
Hyphae are the threadlike structures that make up mycelium.
Singular form of hypha is hypha.
Where do moulds grow?
Moulds grow on starchy food, fruit, milk products, jams and pickles, moist grains and pulses, and even on damp leather.
Are some mushrooms edible?
Yes, some mushrooms are edible.
What can yeast be used for?
Yeast is used to make bakery products.
What does yeast produce that helps bread rise?
Yeast produces carbon dioxide, which makes bread and buns rise and become fluffy.
What are idli and dosa made from?
Idli and dosa are made with a fermented paste of rice and dal.
What causes the fermentation of rice and dal in idli and dosa?
The fermentation is caused by the growth of yeast.
What other products is yeast used to ferment?
Yeast is used to ferment fruit juices, treacle (molasses), malt, and barley in the manufacture of wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks.
What vitamins are prepared using yeast?
Yeast is used in the preparation of B-complex vitamins.
What are moulds used for in food processing?
Moulds are used to flavour processed cheeses.
What are some antibiotics made from?
Penicillin and some other antibiotics are made from certain moulds.
What role do fungi play in nature?
Fungi are among nature’s decomposers, helping break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients.
What happens to food items containing carbohydrates when exposed to moulds?
Moulds spoil raw as well as cooked food items containing carbohydrates if kept in a warm and moist place.
Where can moulds and mildew grow?
Moulds and mildew can grow on leather goods, clothes, and even furniture, especially during the monsoon.
What are some plant diseases caused by fungi?
Rust, smut, wilt, and blight are some plant diseases caused by fungi.
What infections do fungi cause in humans?
Fungi cause infections of the skin, scalp, and nails in human beings, commonly referred to as ‘ringworm’.
What are examples of fungal infections?
Examples include athlete’s foot, barber’s itch, and dhobi’s itch.
