Question 1

Which structural feature of fungal hyphae maximizes their efficiency in nutrient absorption, and why?

Accepted Answer

Their branching pattern, which increases surface-to-volume ratio

Question 2

A fungal cell wall is primarily composed of which structural polymer, and what is its main function?

Accepted Answer

Chitin; prevents cell lysis due to osmotic pressure

Question 3

Which equation best represents the process of meiosis in fungi, and what is its significance?

Accepted Answer

$2n \rightarrow n$; produces haploid spores for genetic variation

Question 4

Which type of hyphae is characterized by the absence of septa, resulting in a continuous cytoplasmic mass with many nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Coenocytic hyphae

Question 5

In the mutualistic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plants, what is the primary exchange?

Accepted Answer

Fungi deliver phosphate ions and minerals to plants; plants supply organic nutrients to fungi

Question 6

Which process in fungal sexual reproduction involves the fusion of cytoplasm from two parent mycelia?

Accepted Answer

Plasmogamy

Question 7

A fungal infection that spreads throughout the body and causes serious illness is known as:

Accepted Answer

Systemic mycosis

Question 8

Which group of fungi is most efficient at decomposing lignin, a complex polymer found in wood?

Accepted Answer

Basidiomycetes

Question 9

What is the main difference between ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi?

Accepted Answer

Ectomycorrhizal fungi form sheaths over roots and extend into extracellular spaces; arbuscular fungi penetrate cell walls but not membranes

Question 10

Which equation describes the formation of a dikaryotic cell in fungi?

Accepted Answer

$n + n \rightarrow n + n$; two haploid nuclei coexist in one cell

Question 11

Which fungal group produces flagellated spores and is often found in aquatic environments?

Accepted Answer

Chytrids

Question 12

A yeast cell reproduces asexually by which process, as shown in the provided image?

Accepted Answer

Budding

Question 13

Which equation best represents the dispersal of fungal spores by wind or water?

Accepted Answer

$n \rightarrow n$; spores remain genetically identical

Question 14

Which fungal group is known for forming lichens in symbiotic association with photosynthetic microorganisms?

Accepted Answer

Ascomycetes

Question 15

What is the primary ecological role of fungi in nutrient cycling?

Accepted Answer

They decompose organic material, recycling chemical elements

Question 16

Which equation represents the process of karyogamy in fungal sexual reproduction?

Accepted Answer

$n + n \rightarrow 2n$; fusion of two haploid nuclei to form a diploid nucleus

Question 17

Which fungal group is most closely related to animals, based on molecular evidence?

Accepted Answer

Opisthokonts

Question 18

A fungus that infects honeybees and may contribute to Colony Collapse Disorder belongs to which group?

Accepted Answer

Microsporidians

Question 19

Which practical use of fungi involves the production of antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Penicillium produces penicillin

Question 20

Which equation best represents the asexual reproduction of molds?

Accepted Answer

$n \rightarrow n$; spores produced by mitosis

Fungi: Structure, Function, Diversity, and Ecological Roles

Study Guide - Practice Questions