Week 9 - Fungi Flashcards
Are fungi chemoorganotrophs or chemolithotrophs?
Chemoorganotrophs.
Do fungi have chlorophyll?
No.
What is the major sterol in fungal membranes?
Ergosterol.
Cryptococcus species are part of phylum Basidiomycota. True or false?
True.
Aspergillus and Candida species are part of phylum Zygomycota. True or false?
False, they are part of phylum Ascomycota.
Saccharomyces cervisiae is commonly known as:
Baker’s yeast.
What is the advantage and disadvantage of S. cervisiae producing alcohol?
It keeps competitors away but involves less efficient energy production.
S. cervisiae are carried around by what organisms?
Hornets and wasps.
Candida albicans can have multiple morphologies, hence it is:
Polymorphic.
C. albicans is a commensal fungus of humans. True or false?
True.
Opaque C. albicans cells are better at surviving in the gut. True or false?
False, the skin.
Aspergillus species are saprophytic, meaning:
They break down plant material.
Where would one commonly find Aspergillus species in domestic settings?
Compost bin.
Which genus of yeasts have polysaccharide capsules?
Cryptococcus.
Do Aspergillus or Cryptococcus species secrete hydrolases?
Aspergillus.
Can superficial fungal infections be fatal?
No.
Which fungal species use proteases and ureases to scavenge for nutrients?
Cryptococcus spp.
What is the most common fungal pathogen for humans?
Candida albicans.
Most people have C. albicans in their gut. True or false?
True, 60%.
How is one infected with Aspergillosis?
Inhalation of conidia (spores).
How is one infected with Cryptococcosis?
Inhalation of basidiospores.
What are the two main human/fungi differences we can exploit for antifungals?
- Fungi have a cell wall.
- Fungi use ergosterol.
Which class of antifungals directly targets ergosterol?
Polyenes.
Which class of antifungals inhibits Erg11 function in ergosterol synthesis?
Azoles.
