Microorganisms 4 Fungi

Question 1

What are fungi?

Answer 1

Fungi (singular: fungus) are a group of plantlike organisms which lack chlorophyll.

Question 2

How many types of fungi are there?

Answer 2

There are some 70,000 types of fungi, some unicellular and some multicellular.

Question 3

What are the main nutritional types of fungi?

Answer 3

Most fungi are saprophytes, while some are parasites.

Question 4

Can you name some examples of fungi?

Answer 4

Examples of fungi include yeast, moulds, mushrooms, and mildew.

Question 5

What is mildew?

Answer 5

Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp clothes, leather, and wood.

Question 6

What are rusts and smuts?

Answer 6

Rusts and smuts are fungi that cause diseases in plants.

Question 7

What is yeast?

Answer 7

Yeast is a unicellular fungus known for its ability to turn sugar into alcohol (by fermentation).

Question 8

How does yeast reproduce?

Answer 8

Yeast reproduces by budding.

Question 9

Can yeast live in different environments?

Answer 9

Yes, yeast can live both aerobically and anaerobically.

Question 10

What are moulds?

Answer 10

Moulds are a group of multicellular fungi.

Question 11

What does mould look like on stale bread?

Answer 11

The greyish fuzzy growth on stale bread is a type of mould.

Question 12

What does mould look like on rotting oranges?

Answer 12

The bluish growth on rotting oranges is a type of mould.

Question 13

What is mycelium?

Answer 13

Mycelium is a tangled mass of threadlike structures found in mould.

Question 14

What are hyphae?

Answer 14

Hyphae are the threadlike structures that make up mycelium.

Singular form of hypha is hypha.

Question 15

Where do moulds grow?

Answer 15

Moulds grow on starchy food, fruit, milk products, jams and pickles, moist grains and pulses, and even on damp leather.

Question 16

Are some mushrooms edible?

Answer 16

Yes, some mushrooms are edible.

Question 17

What can yeast be used for?

Answer 17

Yeast is used to make bakery products.

Question 18

What does yeast produce that helps bread rise?

Answer 18

Yeast produces carbon dioxide, which makes bread and buns rise and become fluffy.

Question 19

What are idli and dosa made from?

Answer 19

Idli and dosa are made with a fermented paste of rice and dal.

Question 20

What causes the fermentation of rice and dal in idli and dosa?

Answer 20

The fermentation is caused by the growth of yeast.

Question 21

What other products is yeast used to ferment?

Answer 21

Yeast is used to ferment fruit juices, treacle (molasses), malt, and barley in the manufacture of wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks.

Question 22

What vitamins are prepared using yeast?

Answer 22

Yeast is used in the preparation of B-complex vitamins.

Question 23

What are moulds used for in food processing?

Answer 23

Moulds are used to flavour processed cheeses.

Question 24

What are some antibiotics made from?

Answer 24

Penicillin and some other antibiotics are made from certain moulds.

Question 25

What role do fungi play in nature?

Answer 25

Fungi are among nature's decomposers, helping break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients.

Question 26

What happens to food items containing carbohydrates when exposed to moulds?

Answer 26

Moulds spoil raw as well as cooked food items containing carbohydrates if kept in a warm and moist place.

Question 27

Where can moulds and mildew grow?

Answer 27

Moulds and mildew can grow on leather goods, clothes, and even furniture, especially during the monsoon.

Question 28

What are some plant diseases caused by fungi?

Answer 28

Rust, smut, wilt, and blight are some plant diseases caused by fungi.

Question 29

What infections do fungi cause in humans?

Answer 29

Fungi cause infections of the skin, scalp, and nails in human beings, commonly referred to as 'ringworm'.

Question 30

What are examples of fungal infections?

Answer 30

Examples include athlete’s foot, barber’s itch, and dhobi’s itch.