Chapter 17
Eukaryotic Microorganisms: The Fungi
Chapter Summary and Essay Questions
The fungi, discussed in Chapter 17, are eukaryotes, unlike the bacteria and viruses studied in previous chapters. This chapter describes the structure, growth patterns and life cycles of the fungal groups. It also summarizes the similarities and differences between plants, animals and fungi. The chapter gives an overview of the various types of mycoses, the term for fungal diseases. Mushroom poisoning and other fungal intoxications are described. The mycoses of the skin or body surfaces are also described as well as the mycoses of the lower respiratory tract. For each disease, the discussion includes symptoms, and information on the causative agent, transmission and treatment. On completing your study of the fungi, you should be able to answer the following essay questions:
a. List the four major properties that set fungi apart from plants.
b. Write a clear description of the fungi, noting the characteristics of the fungal cells that compose the filamentous hyphae.
c. Describe the absorptive characteristics of fungal nutrition, and then discuss the conditions under which the fungi grow best in nature and in the laboratory.
d. Name and describe several different types of spores that can be produced by asexual reproduction.
e. Explain the taxonomic format for classifying fungi into five phyla.
f. Outline the key characteristics that distinguish the five phyla of fungi, emphasizing the methods of sexual reproduction.
g. List seven different species of nonpathogenic fungi, and state their importance in medicine or industry.
h. Write a complete description of the brewing and baking yeasts, and explain their important roles in various industries.
i. Differentiate between aflatoxin poisoning and ergotism, and describe examples of mushroom poisoning (mycetism).
j. List the major characteristics of dermatophytosis, noting its cause, effect, and treatments.
k. Describe candidiasis, including the types of disease it may involve, its symptoms, and treatments.
l. Discuss how a person could contract sporotrichosis and identify the characteristics of the infection.
n. Compare the characteristics of cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis as respiratory infections.
m. Assess the life cycle, transmission, and treatment of Pneumocystis jiroveci in immunosuppressed individuals, including AIDS patients.
n. Describe the fungal diseases caused by Aspergillus.