Question 1

Which of the following best explains why fungal infections in humans are more difficult to treat than bacterial infections?

Accepted Answer

Fungi share recent ancestry and similar cellular structures with animals, so drugs that target fungi often harm human cells.

Question 2

Which enzyme is responsible for breaking down lignin in plant cell walls, and what is the main outcome of this process?

Accepted Answer

Lignin peroxidase; creates free radicals that split lignin polymers, exposing cellulose for further digestion.

Question 3

A plant is growing in soil without mycorrhizal fungi. What is the most likely effect on the plant’s growth and nutrient uptake?

Accepted Answer

The plant will suffer reduced growth and nutrient uptake, especially phosphorus.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the relationship between ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) and their host plants?

Accepted Answer

EMF form a dense network around roots, release peptidases to cleave proteins, and provide amino acids and phosphate ions to the plant in exchange for sugars.

Question 5

Which fungal reproductive structure is characterized by producing eight spores after meiosis and one round of mitosis?

Accepted Answer

Ascus

Question 6

Which of the following is a major ecological role of saprophytic fungi in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Accelerating the carbon cycle by breaking down dead plant material and releasing $$CO_2.$$

Question 7

Which of the following statements about fungal mycelia is correct?

Accepted Answer

Mycelia have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio, making nutrient absorption efficient but increasing susceptibility to drying out.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the life cycle of chytrids?

Accepted Answer

Chytrids exhibit alternation of generations, with haploid adults forming gametangia and diploid sporophytes producing swimming spores by meiosis.

Question 9

Which of the following is a key trait linking fungi and animals, but not land plants?

Accepted Answer

Both store glucose as the polysaccharide glycogen.

Question 10

A scientist introduces radioactively labeled $$CO_2 to $$plants with and without mycorrhizal fungi. What result would support the hypothesis that the relationship is mutualistic?

Accepted Answer

Labeled carbon compounds are transferred from the plant to the fungi, indicating nutrient exchange.

Question 11

Which fungal lineage is most likely responsible for the decline of amphibian populations worldwide due to parasitism?

Accepted Answer

Chytrids

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of fungal extracellular digestion?

Accepted Answer

Fungi secrete enzymes into the environment, breaking down complex molecules into simple compounds that are absorbed by hyphae.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)?

Accepted Answer

AMF hyphae penetrate root cell walls, increasing surface area for nutrient exchange.

Question 14

Which of the following is a real-world example of a mutualistic relationship involving fungi?

Accepted Answer

Yeast fermenting cacao seeds to make chocolate edible.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the role of peptidases released by ectomycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Peptidases cleave proteins in decaying material, releasing amino acids for plant absorption.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fungal mycelia?

Accepted Answer

Rigid, thick filaments that prevent water loss.

Question 17

Which fungal structure is produced during asexual reproduction and can be dispersed by wind or water?

Accepted Answer

Conidium

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the process of cellulose digestion by fungi?

Accepted Answer

Fungi secrete cellulases that convert cellulose into glucose, which is then absorbed.

Question 19

Which fungal lineage is most commonly associated with lichens?

Accepted Answer

Ascomycota

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why fungi are considered master traders and recyclers in terrestrial ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Fungi release nutrients from dead organisms and transfer them to living plants and animals, influencing productivity and biodiversity.

Fungi: Structure, Function, and Diversity

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