eukaryotic microbes

• What are the main types of eukaryotic microbes discussed?

  Fungi and protists
• What is the endosymbiotic theory?

  It explains the origin of mitochondria and plastids
• What is the difference between primary and secondary endosymbiotic origin of plastids?

  Primary involves direct engulfment of bacteria
• What distinguishes fungal cells from other eukaryotic cells?

  Fungal cells have chitin in their cell walls
• What are the two main structures of fungi?

  Yeasts and moulds
• What is dimorphism in fungi?

  Switching between yeast and filamentous forms
• How do fungi gain nutrition?

  By secreting enzymes and absorbing nutrients
• What is the primary mode of reproduction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae?

  Asexual reproduction by budding
• What is the significance of diatoms in protists?

  They are important photosynthetic organisms
• What is the role of hydrogenosomes in some protists?

  They generate ATP through fermentation
• What is the size range of eukaryotic cells compared to bacterial and archaeal cells?

  Eukaryotic cells are generally larger
• What is the structure of eukaryotic cilia and flagella?

  They have a 9+2 arrangement of microtubules
• How many fungal species have been described?

  90,000 species
• What type of nutrition do fungi exhibit?

  Chemoorganoheterotrophy
• What are mycorrhizae?

  Mutually beneficial relationships between fungi and plant roots
• What is the body structure of a fungus called?

  Thallus
• What is the function of septa in some fungi?

  Provide structural support and limit damage
• What is the primary component of fungal cell walls?

  Chitin
• What is the role of pheromones in fungal reproduction?

  They communicate mating types
• What happens during plasmogamy in fungi?

  Cytoplasm from two mycelia fuses
• What is karyogamy in fungal reproduction?

  Nuclear fusion occurs after plasmogamy
• What is the diploid phase in fungi?

  Short-lived and undergoes meiosis
• What is the significance of genetic variation in fungi?

  It enhances adaptability and survival
• What are the three types of lichen forms?

  Fruticose, foliose, and crustose
• What is the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi?

  They form sheaths over plant roots
• What is the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi?

  They extend hyphae through root cell walls
• What is the size range of hyphae in filamentous fungi?

  2-30 µm in diameter
• How do fungi reproduce asexually?

  By hyphal fragmentation or sporulation
• What is the life cycle of the ascomycete Saccharomyces cerevisiae?

  Involves both asexual and sexual reproduction
• What is the significance of dikaryotic mycelium in fungi?

  It allows for genetic diversity
• What is the role of basidia in basidiomycetes?

  They produce basidiospores for reproduction
• What is the function of conidiophores in fungi?

  They are structures for asexual reproduction
• What is the ecological role of fungi as saprophytes?

  They decompose organic matter
• How do fungi contribute to industrial processes?

  Through fermentation in food production
• What is the significance of the thallus in fungi?

  It is the vegetative structure of the fungus
• What is the role of vacuoles in fungal cells?

  They regulate pH and cellular expansion
• What is the function of the cytoskeleton in fungi?

  It provides structural support and shape
• What is the role of the Golgi apparatus in fungal cells?

  It modifies and secretes proteins
• What is the significance of ergosterol in fungal membranes?

  It maintains membrane fluidity and integrity
• How do fungi protect against osmotic lysis?

  By having a rigid cell wall structure