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Microbiology - The Fungi

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Study GuideMicrobiology–The Fungi1.Classification of Fungi1.1Division ZygomycotaThedivision Zygomycotaincludes fungi known aszygomycetes. These fungi are commonly foundas moldsgrowing on bread, fruits, and other organic materials.A key feature of zygomycetes is that they can reproduce intwo ways:•Sexually, by formingzygospores•Asexually, by formingsporangiospores

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Study GuideFigure 1Sexual reproduction in the moldRhizopus stolonifer.Plus and minus mycelia producesexually opposite hyphae that fuse and give rise to zygospores, which germinate to form newmycelia.1.2Sexual Reproduction in ZygomycetesDuring sexual reproduction, zygomycetes produce special spores calledzygospores. These sporesare thick-walled and help the fungus surviveunfavorable conditions.Steps in Sexual Reproduction (Example:Rhizopusstolonifer)1.Two different mating types of mycelia, calledplus (+)andminus (–)strains, grow close toeach other.2.Each mycelium produces specialhyphaethat grow toward one another.

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Study Guide3.These hyphaefuse together, a process known ashyphal fusion.4.Fusion leads to the formation of azygospore, which is a resistant sexual structure.5.When conditions become favorable, the zygosporegerminates.6.It forms asporangium, which releases spores.7.These spores grow intonew mycelia, completing the life cycle.1.3Asexual Reproduction in ZygomycetesIn addition to sexual reproduction, zygomycetes also reproduceasexuallyby producingsporangiospores.•These spores are formed inside a structure called asporangium•When released, sporangiospores germinate and grow intonew fungal hyphae•This method allows rapid reproduction under favorable conditionsKey Points to Remember•Zygomycota includes fungi calledzygomycetes•They reproducesexually (zygospores)andasexually (sporangiospores)•Zygosporesare thick-walled and resistant•Rhizopus stoloniferis a common example used to study this process2.Slime MoldsSlime moldsare unusual organisms because they show features ofboth molds (fungi-like)andprotozoa (animal-like). Their behavior changes depending on environmental conditions.2.1Amoeboid (Feeding) Stage–The PlasmodiumUnder favorableconditions, a slime mold exists as asoft, moving mass of cytoplasm. In this stage,it behaves much like an amoeba.

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Study Guide•It moves slowly overrotting logs, leaves, and decaying organic matter•It feeds byphagocytosis, surrounding and engulfing food particles•This active feeding stage is called theplasmodium•The plasmodium ismultinucleate, meaning it containsmany nuclei within a single massof cytoplasm2.2Formation of Fruiting BodiesThe amoeboid stage ends when:•The plasmodiummatures, or•The environment becomesharsh or unfavorableAt this point:•The plasmodium moves toward alighted area•It developsupright stalkscalledfruiting bodies•Sporesare produced at the tips of these stalksThese spores arehighly resistantand can survive unfavorable environmental conditions.2.3Spore Germination and Life Cycle ContinuationWhen conditions become suitable again:•The sporesgerminate•They formflagellated swarm cellsoramoeboid cells•These cells eventuallyfuse together•Fusion results in the formation of a newmultinucleate plasmodiumThis completes the slime mold life cycle.
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Document Details

University
Texas A&M University
Course
Microbiology
Subject
Biology

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