Chapter 12 Flashcards
Phytophthora infestans
A water mold which causes a disease called late blight in potatoes
Was the cause of the Irish Potato Famine
How is Phytophthora infestans spread?
The infection is transmitted by spores, which can persist for years in the soil and are spread by wind as well as by people who handle the potatoes.
Fungi
Heterotrophic eukaryotic organisms containing chitin in the cell wall
Protozoa
Heterotrophic unicellular organisms that are not fungi
Algae
Eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms with relatively simple reproductive structures and no organized vascular system.
Protozoa and algae are grouped together as what
Protists
Protists
Usually single celled eukaryotes that are not fungi, plants or animals.
Mycology
The study of fungi
What are some forms of fungi?
Yeasts
Molds
And familiar mushroom
Yeasts
Single celled fungi
Molds
Are multicellular filamentous fungi
Mushrooms
Are simply the reproductive structures of certain fungi, similar to a peach on a peach tree
Fungi are what trophs
Fungi are heterotrophs and are among the main decomposers of organic materials, including living and cellulose
Fungi are the main decomposers of
Organic materials
Ligin
Cellulose
Saprotrophs
Are what fungi are.
Organism that takes in nutrients from dead and decaying matter.
How do fungi decompose dead or decaying organic matter
They do this by secreting enzymes into the environment to break large molecules into smaller ones that they can then absorb.
What does the overall decomposition process of fungi produce
The overall decomposition process releases carbon dioxide and nitrogen compounds, which are then taken up by various organisms and again converted into organic compounds.
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Infects the skin of frogs and is believed to be responsible for the catastrophic decline in frog populations over the part two decades.
Example of fungi partnering with other organisms in mutually beneficial relationships
Fungi and algae form lichen that can grow on surfaces where neither can survive alone.
What does the cell wall of Fungi contain?
Fungi are characterized by a cell wall that contains chitin.
In addition to chitin, the cell walls typically contain glucan
Stronger than the cellulose based cell wall of plants.
Glucan
Typically in the cell wall of fungi.
Is a polymer of glucose
Glucan synthesis is the target of certain anti fungal medications
What is the target of certain anti fungal medications
Glucan synthesis
Ergosterol
Ergosterol
Substance in fungal membranes
Distinguishes them from animal cell membranes which contain cholesterol.
Dimorphic fungi
Fungi that are able to transition between two forms, usually yeast and mold, depending on the environmental conditions.