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Mycology is the study of fungi and their unique interactions with other species and the environment. It explains fungi's genetic and metabolic features and also their significance in living beings.
- There are over 90,000 species of fungi, with thousands more being identified each year.
- It is estimated that there are over one million fungal species on the globe.
- This makes the fungi kingdom one of the most prominent in the tree of life.
- They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, as they include both macroscopic and microscopic life forms.
- Mycology is the branch of phytopathology which includes the study of plant diseases.
- Heinrich Anton de Bary is known to be the father of Mycology.
- It also studies the significance of fungi on human life.
- A person specialising in the field of mycology is called mycologist.
Key Terms: Mycology, Fungi, Fungal Infections, Monera, Protista, Algae, Ringworm, Mushrooms, Molds, Diseases, Plants, Fermentation, Eukaryotic Organisms
Medical Mycology
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Medical mycology is the study of fungal infections. In other words, it deals with the infection in animals and humans caused by pathogenic fungi. There are more than 50,000 fungal infections which have been recognised across the globe.
- Some of these do not affect humans, and some of them can cause dangerous diseases such as athlete’s foot.
- Fungi cause many diseases, such as shallow cutaneous diseases with dermatophytes.
- It also causes intrusive Candida and Aspergillus in seriously immunocompromised patients.
- It is determined that significant contagious pathogens, strikingly Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp., in the immunocompromised.
- They can likewise shape a piece of the common flora.
- This may need help in the interpretation of culture results.
History of Mycology
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Till the 1800s, mycology as a discipline did not exist. Fungi were considered to be a different kind of plant. It is found that humans have used fungi like mushrooms as food since prehistoric times.
- As science progressed and microscopes were invented, by mid-1800.
- It was discovered that fungi had a few distinct features which were different from plants and animals.
- ‘Mycology’ as a term was coined in 1836 by M.J. Berkely.
- Scientists later on discovered that fungi were responsible for fermentation.
- With this discovery, the field of mycology showed a lot of potential and has shown a lot of advent since then.
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Kingdom Fungi
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Fungi are eukaryotic organisms comprising yeasts, moulds, mushrooms, and other microbes. These species belong to the fungal kingdom. The organisms in the Kingdom of Fungi have a cell wall.
- Fungi are widely circulated among living organisms, and they are categorized as heterotrophs.
- They develop in moist and warmer conditions.
- Food is stored in the form of starch.
- They are the only organisms that can synthesize chitin.
- Fungi have extremely small nuclei.
- There is no embryonic stage in fungus.
Kingdom Fungi
Characteristics of Fungi
Some important characteristics of Fungi are as follows:
- Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that are non-vascular, non-motile, and heterotrophic.
- They might be filamentous or unicellular.
- Spores are used for reproduction.
- Alternation of generation is a phenomenon that occurs in fungi.
- Sexual or asexual reproduction is possible.
- Some fungi are parasitic, which means they can infect their hosts.
- Fungi create a substance known as a pheromone, which allows them to reproduce sexually.
Example of FungiExample: Mushrooms, moulds, and yeast are examples of fungi. |
Types of Fungi
Fungi is divided into two categories which are as follows:
Based on Nutrition
On the basis of nutrition, fungi is divided into three categories which are as follows:
Saprophytic
Saprophytes are a type of organisms that feed upon dead organic substances. Rhizopus, Penicillium and Aspergillus come into the category of these types of fungi.
Parasitic
Parasitic is a type of fungi that obtain their nutrients by feeding upon living organisms. Taphrina and Puccinia come into the category of these types of fungi.
Symbiotic
Symbiotic fungi have a mutual relationship with the other host. As a result, both species benefit. Lichens and mosses come into the category of these types of fungi.
Based on Spore Formation
On the basis of spore formation, fungi are divided into four categories, which are as follows:
Zygomycetes
Zygomycetes is a type of fungi that is formed by the fusion of two cells. Mucor comes into the category of these types of fungi.
Ascomycetes
Ascomycetes, also known as sac fungi, can be coprophilous, parasitic, decomposers or saprophytic. The sexual spores in these fungi are called ascospores. Saccharomyces come into the category of these types of fungi.
Basidiomycetes
Basidiomycetes are a type of fungi that is produced by sexual and asexual reproduction. Mushrooms come into the category of these types of fungi.
Deuteromycetes
Deuteromycetes are a type of imperfect fungi that are not produced by regular reproduction like other fungi. Trichoderma comes into the category of these types of fungi.
Importance of Fungi
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Fungi plays an important role in human life by increasing the fertility of soil in agriculture, creating medicines and antibiotics and is sometimes used as a source of food.
- The importance of fungi is explained in detail as follows:
Importance in Human Life
Fungi are extremely vital to us in a variety of ways. They play a key role in the ecosystem's nutrient cycle. They also act as toxins like pesticides.
Biological Insecticides
Animal pathogens are fungi. As a result, they assist in insect pest suppression. Plants and animals are not infected by these fungi. They target certain insects in specific.
- The fungus Beauveria Bassiana is being used as a pesticide to combat the spread of the emerald ash borer.
Reusing
These microorganisms, along with bacteria, recycle substances in the soil by degrading dead crops and animal excreta, thus enriching the soil and making it nutritious.
Importance in Medicine
Antibiotics are fungi-produced chemicals that are used to treat diseases caused by infections. They are being fed to animals for faster growth and better meat quality, in addition to treating infections.
- Antibiotics are used to keep fresh meat fresh for extended periods.
Importance in Agriculture
Fungi are vital in the production of soil because they cause the decomposition of plant and animal waste. They are used in the biological control of weeds in several ways.
- Insecticides made from plant pests are used to reduce insect activity.
Importance in Food Industry
Some fungi are processed in the food processing industry, while others are used directly. Mushrooms, for example, are high in proteins and minerals while being low in fat.
- Fungi are the core of the baking and brewing industries.
Fungal Cell Wall
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Fungus is a type of eukaryotic organism that comes into the category of unicellular and multicellular fungi. These organisms form tangles of filaments. Fungi's cell wall is a complex mechanism.
- It shields the cell from environmental stress.
- They minimize numerous consequences induced by osmotic pressure fluctuations.
- The fungal cell wall has a unique trait called biosynthesis.
- They have a highly complex cellular structure.
- Fungus cells are made up of a membrane-bound nucleus and DNA coiled around histone proteins.
In fungus cells, chlorophyll isn't present. Pigments are found in the cell wall and range in colour from black to green to red.
- They function as a shield, shielding the fungus from damaging ultraviolet light.
- Glucans and chitlins make up the stiff layers.
Fungal Cell Wall
Difference between Algae and Fungi
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The difference between algae and fungi are as follows:
| Algae | Fungi |
|---|---|
| Algae means “Seaweed” | Fungi means “Sponge” |
| Algae are categorized in the kingdom Plantae. The kingdom Protista is home to unicellular blue-green algae. | Fungi were given their kingdom in Whittaker's five-kingdom categorization. |
| It’s an Autotrophic mode of nutrition | It’s a Heterotrophic mode of nutrition |
| Algae are not parasitic | Some fungi are parasitic |
Difference between algae and fungi
Kingdom Monera, Protista, and Fungi
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Living organisms are divided into five kingdoms by R. H. Whittaker, which are Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. The details about Monera, Protista, and Fungi are provided below:
Kingdom Monera
Kingdom Monera is the most fundamental group of organisms, and monerans are the most common of them all. It mostly consists of unicellular organisms having a prokaryotic cell structure.
- They don't have well-defined cell structures, such as the nucleus and other organelles.
- These organisms do not have membrane-bound nuclei.
- The locomotion is done with the help of flagella.
- Prokaryotes include species such as Cyanobacteria, Archaebacteria, Mycoplasma, and Bacteria.
Kingdom Monera
Kingdom Protista
The kingdom Protista is at a crucial stage in early development, with the first protist most likely evolved 1.7 billion years ago. Protista is a relatively vast kingdom that contains at least 16 phyla.
- Many species in this kingdom are major suppliers in the aquatic ecosystem.
- Others are known to cause major human diseases such as malaria.
- They are unicellular eukaryotic organisms that mostly live in water.
- Their mode of nutrition is both heterotrophic and autotrophic.
- Plasmodium falciparum is an organism that belongs to the kingdom Protista.
Kingdom Fungi
Fungi are microbes that can be found in the air, water, land, and soil. They are economically important and exhibit a wide range of morphology and environment.
- More than 70,000 fungal species have been identified.
- Kingdom fungi entities include mushrooms, smuts, and yeasts.
- Their cell wall is made of sugar molecules called chitin.
- They undergo a heterotrophic mode of nutrition.
- Some fungi are parasitic in nature, while others are symbionts in nature.
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Ringworm
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Dermatophytosis, or ringworm, is a fungal infection of the skin. It has the potential to disrupt both humans and animals. The illness begins with red spots on the impacted areas and then spreads to other parts of the body.
- The scalp, nails, foot, crotch, and beard are the most commonly affected areas.
- The ringworm fungus occurs in moist areas like showers, bathroom floors and walls, swimming pools, and skin folds.
- Pets such as cats and dogs are transmitters of this disease.
- The fungus causing the problem might be found on combs, brushes, towels and clothes.
- It can be diagnosed with the help of skin biopsy.
Ringworm
Things to Remember
- Mycology is defined as the study of fungi and their interactions with other species of the environment.
- Fungi are eukaryotic organisms comprising yeasts, moulds, mushrooms, and other microbes.
- They are classified based on nutrition and host formation.
- These species reproduce with the aid of spores.
- Chlorophyll is not present in the fungi cell.
- Monera mostly consists of unicellular organisms having a prokaryotic cell structure.
Previous Year Questions
- There exists a close association between the alga… [NEET 2005]
- After karyogamy followed by meiosis, spores are produced… [NEET 2018]
- Archaebacteria differ from eubacteria in… [NEET 2014]
- Azotobacter and Bacillus polymyxa are the examples of… [NEET 1996]
- Bacteria lack alternation of generation because there is… [NEET 1991]
- Bacterial leaf blight of rice is caused by a species… [NEET 2008]
- Barophilic prokaryotes… [NEET 2005]
- BGA (blue green algae) are included in which of the following groups… [NEET 1996]
- Which type of DNA is found in bacteria?….[NEET 1996]
- Lichens grow by….[NEET 1996]
- Which of the following is free-living aerobic and ...[NEET 1997]
Sample Questions
Ques. Anwer the following (A) What are the types of Fungi
(B) What do you mean by polymorphic fungi? (2 marks)
Ans. (A) Saprophytic, Parasitic, Symbiotic, Zygomycetes, Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, and Deuteromycetes are different types of fungi.
(B) Polymorphic fungi are those that have more than one independent form or spore stage in their lifecycle. Under a microscope, this mold is made up of a dense mycelium that gives birth to tufts of jointed threads that are intermingled with septate, elliptical, or elongated spores.
Ques. Anwer the following (A) Fungi is prokaryotic or eukaryotic
(B) What are saprophytes? (2 marks)
Ans. (A) Fungi are Eukaryotic oragnisms that exhibit a wide range of morphology and environment. They undergo a heterotrophic mode of nutrition. Some fungi are parasitic in nature, while others are symbionts in nature.
(B) Saprophytes are organisms that rely on the decomposition of dead and decaying matter. They are responsible for breaking of complex organic matter or substances into simpler forms that plants may absorb and use for a variety of metabolic processes. Example: Fungi.
Ques. What is the feature of filamentous fungi or mould? (2 marks)
Ans. The feature of filamentous fungi are as follows:
- They can secrete large amount of enzymes.
- These fungi act as main provider in case of lignocellulose hydrolysis.
- They can produce sexually by the process of meiosis and asexually by the process of mitosis.
Ques. Name different types of ringworm? (4 marks)
Ans. The different types of ringworm are as follows:
- Tinea Capitis: The scalp is impacted by tinea capitis, a fungal infection. Another name for it is scalp ringworm.
- Tinea Corporis: Any region of the body may become infected with a fungal infection called tinea corporis. It is called body ringworm as a result.
- Tinea Cruris: Tinea cruris is a fungal illness that primarily affects the skin of the groin, buttocks, and inner thighs. Another name for this species is the Jock itch.
- Tinea Pedis: Fungal illness known as tinea pedis: it affects the area of the foot between the fingernails and toenails. Another name for this species is the athlete's foot.
Ques. Mention the characteristic of protista? (3 marks)
Ans. Some important characteristics of protista are as follows:
- Protista are simple unicellular organisms.
- They are mostly found in water or moist soil.
- These organisms undergo heterotrophic and autotrophic mode of nutrition.
- The locomotion is done with the help of flagella or cilia.
- Some of these species produce sexually and some produce asexually.
Ques. Mention the characteristics of monera? (3 marks)
Ans. Some important characteristics of monera are as follows:
- Monera are unicellular organisms that are found in aerobic and anaerobic environment.
- These species consists of rigid cell walls.
- The locomotion is done with the help of flagella.
- Circulation function is performed through diffusion.
- They do not have membrane bound nucleus.
Ques. Explain the fungi cell structure? (3 marks)
Ans. The fungal cell wall functions as a dynamic barrier, protecting the cell from variations in osmotic pressure and external stress. The cell wall possesses a complicated cellular structure in addition to a unique trait called biosynthesis.
- The nucleus of the fungal cells is membrane-bound, and its DNA is wound around histone proteins.
- One characteristic of fungal cells is their lack of chlorophyll.
- The pigments in the cell walls, which come in a variety of hues including red, green, and black, offer defense against damaging UV radiation.
- Glucans and chitlins are the main components of the stiff cell wall layers.
Ques. What are the similarities between algae and fungi? (3 marks)
Ans. The similarities between algae and fungi are as follows:
- Both the species do not contain vascular tissues.
- In these species reproductive organs do not have protective covering.
- They contain eukaryotic cells.
- Asexual reproduction by the process of fragmentation is common in both the species.
Ques. Mention the characteristics of fungi? (3 marks)
Ans. The characteristics of fungi are as follows:
- Fungi are heterotrophic, non-vascular, and non-motile eukaryotic creatures.
- They could have one or many cells, or filamentous.
- To reproduce, spores are employed.
- Fungi have a phenomena known as alternation of generation.
- Certain fungi have the ability to infect their hosts because they are parasitic.
- Pheromones are substances produced by fungi that enable them to reproduce sexually.
Ques. What is the difference between fungi and protista? (4 marks)
Ans. The difference between fungi and protista are as follows:
| Fungi | Protista |
|---|---|
| Fungi are multicellular organisms. | Protista are unicellular organisms. |
| These species are divided into seven phyla. | These species are divided into Algae and molds. |
| They are visible with naked eyes. | They are not visible with naked eyes. |
| They exhibit only saprophytic or heterotrophic mode. | They exhibit all types of nutrition. |
Ques. How fungi are used for reusing purpose? (2 marks)
Ans. Fungi involves breaking down plant debris and animal excrement in the soil, these microorganisms work with bacteria to recycle materials, enriching and enhancing the soil to make it more fruitful. The ongoing assembly and piling of debris can be negatively impacted by the absence of fungal activities.
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