Question 1

What is the basic body plan of a fungus?

Accepted Answer

The basic fungal body is usually a mycelium made of branching hyphae. The hyphae may be septate or aseptate depending on the fungal group.

Question 2

Why is the fungal cell wall described as chitinous?

Accepted Answer

The cell wall contains chitin, which provides structural support and protection. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms whose cells contain a membrane-bound organization.

Question 3

How do fungi obtain nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Fungi have absorptive heterotrophic nutrition. They release digestive enzymes into their surroundings and absorb the released nutrients instead of ingesting food in the way animals do.

Question 4

What is the difference between septate and aseptate hyphae?

Accepted Answer

Septate hyphae contain cross-walls that divide the hypha into compartments. Aseptate hyphae lack regular cross-wall divisions, so the cytoplasm remains continuous through the network.

Question 5

Are all fungal spores motile?

Accepted Answer

No. Most asexual fungal spores are non-motile. Zoospores are the important motile exception because they can move using flagella.

Fungal Biology 3D — Mycelium, Cell Wall and Spores

About this lab

Practice