Exam 3 Specific words Flashcards
Chytrids
Type of fungi that are aquatic
Hyphae
- make up the mycelium fungus body
- kind of like individual parts like cells
- made of chitin
- two different types of hyphae: septate (individulised segments with walls and stuff) and coenocytic (no walls all blended together)
- feed by absorbing simple organic compounds (soak up nutrients like a sponge, digestive enzymes released and then soaked up broken parts so like digesting but outside their body)
rapid growth at hyphal tips toward new food (no motile feeding cells) - huge total surface area for absorption
Chitin
Chitin is a tough, protective material found in nature. It’s similar to the keratin in your nails or the cellulose in plants, but it’s unique to certain organisms. For example:
- In fungi, it’s part of their cell walls, giving them structure and support.
- In animals like crabs, lobsters, and insects, chitin forms part of their hard outer shells or exoskeletons.
Think of it as nature’s version of lightweight armor—strong yet flexible. It helps protect organisms while also allowing them to grow and move. Let me know if you’d like a fun analogy or deeper details about chitin!
Septate
Septate hyphae: These have internal walls called septa that divide the hyphae into individual compartments or “cells.” Each compartment contains its own nucleus and organelles, but the septa have small openings (pores) that allow the exchange of materials between compartments.
- In septate hyphae, the cytoplasmic streaming (movement of cytoplasm within the hyphae - distributes materials through the fungal structure) occurs through the pores in the septa.
Coenocytic
- Coenocytic hyphae: These do not have septa dividing them into compartments, so the hyphae are essentially a continuous tube filled with cytoplasm and multiple nuclei. This makes them look like one giant cell. It’s like a large open hall where everything flows freely without barriers.
- In coenocytic hyphae, the cytoplasm and materials moves freely because there are no walls to restrict it.
hydrolytic enzymes
Hydrolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down large molecules into smaller ones by using water in the process. They are like scissors for biological materials, cutting complex substances like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into simpler forms that organisms can easily use for energy or growth.
appressoria
This means that certain fungi use specialized structures called appressoria to penetrate plant tissues. Appressoria are like tiny suction cups or pressure tools that fungi develop at the tips of their hyphae (thread-like structures). These structures apply immense physical force or release enzymes to break through the tough outer layers of plants, such as the cuticle or cell walls. Once inside, the fungi can access nutrients or establish a parasitic or symbiotic relationship with the plant.
Think of appressoria as the fungi’s “battering ram” or “key” to unlock the plant’s defenses. They are crucial for fungal pathogens to infect plants or for mycorrhizal fungi to form beneficial associations. Let me know if you’d like to explore this further!
haustoria
Appressoria and haustoria are specialized structures used by fungi, but they serve different purposes:
-
Appressoria:
- These are external structures formed by fungi to penetrate the surface of a host plant.
- They act like “pressure tools,” generating immense force to break through the plant’s outer barriers, such as the cuticle or cell walls.
- Appressoria are typically involved in the initial infection process, helping fungi establish entry into the host.
-
Haustoria:
- These are internal structures formed after the fungi successfully invade the host.
- Haustoria penetrate the host’s cells and act like “feeding tubes,” extracting nutrients from the host without immediately killing the cell.
- They are specialized for nutrient absorption and biochemical interactions with the host.
In summary, appressoria are like the fungi’s “battering ram” for entry, while haustoria are their “straws” for feeding once inside.
- PLASMA MEMBRANE NOT PENETRATED, DOES NOT KILL HOST PLANT CELL
spores
- made in both sexual and asexual cycles
- dispersed by air and water to new resources
Mycelium
Mycelium is like the “roots” of fungi—it’s a network of tiny thread-like structures called hyphae that spread through soil or other materials. Its job is to break down organic matter and absorb nutrients, helping the fungus grow and sometimes even producing mushrooms as its “fruits.”
Think of mycelium like an underground internet for fungi. Just like the internet connects people and shares information, mycelium connects fungi and even plants, transporting nutrients and communicating signals across the ecosystem. It’s an invisible, hardworking network that feeds and grows
Fragmentation
type of asexual reproduction, bits of mycelium split off can grow into new individual. That’s like if i tore a piece of bread into a buncha other pieces and each new piece gave me a whole ass new piece of bread - sourdough starter kinda
Budding
Budding in fungal reproduction is a type of asexual reproduction where a small outgrowth, called a bud, forms on the parent cell. This bud grows and eventually detaches to become an independent organism. The process involves the parent cell’s nucleus dividing, with one nucleus migrating into the bud. Yeasts, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly reproduce through budding. It’s a simple and efficient way for fungi to multiply! Let me know if you’d like an analogy or more details.
Oldest fungal fossils
~460 mya
Mycorrhizae
Mycorrhizae are a type of symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots. In this partnership, the fungi help plants absorb water and nutrients (like phosphorus) from the soil, while the plants provide the fungi with sugars and other organic compounds produced through photosynthesis. This relationship is mutually beneficial and plays a crucial role in plant growth and soil health.
Think of mycorrhizae as nature’s underground teamwork, where fungi and plants collaborate to thrive in their environment! Let me know if you’d like to explore more about their types or benefits.
Even the earliest terrestrial plants had mycorrhizae
Earliest lichen fossil
~410 mya
sporangiospores
asexual spores
soredia
Soredia are tiny, powdery structures used by lichens for asexual reproduction. Each soredium consists of fungal hyphae wrapped around a few algal or cyanobacterial cells. These structures are released from the lichen’s surface and dispersed by wind or other means. When they land on a suitable surface, they can grow into a new lichen, continuing the symbiotic relationship.
They’re like nature’s little propagules, ensuring lichens can thrive and spread in diverse environments. Fascinating, right?
mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by certain fungi, often found in moldy food or crops like cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. These toxins can pose serious health risks to humans and animals, ranging from acute poisoning to long-term effects like immune deficiency and cancer. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and can contaminate food during storage or processing.
Would you like to know how to prevent exposure to mycotoxins?
mycosis
human fungal infections
sporopollenin
protective durable polymer coating for spores and pollen seeds and zygotes and stuff so that it doesnt die when it goes out in the harsh environments
dessication
Desiccation refers to the process of extreme drying or removal of moisture from a substance, organism, or environment. In biology, it often describes the drying out of living tissues, which can lead to damage or death if the organism cannot tolerate such conditions. For example, seeds and spores often undergo desiccation as a natural part of their life cycle to survive harsh environments.
Is there a specific context you’re exploring, like its role in ecosystems or preservation techniques?
sporangium
where spores are produced and stored - spore incubator/factory
gametangia
Gametangia are specialized structures in plants, fungi, and some algae where gametes (reproductive cells) are formed. They play a crucial role in sexual reproduction. Female gametangia are called archegonia, producing eggs, while male gametangia are called antheridia, producing sperm. These structures ensure the protection and development of gametes, often within a multicellular jacket.
Would you like to explore their role in specific organisms or ecosystems?
apical meristems
continuously dividing cells
* roots & shoots grow toward resources
