Protists and Fungi

Science

A rapid increase in the population of algae

Algal bloom

A rapid increase in the population of algae. Algal bloom. An algal bloom is when algae multiply quickly in water, often changing its color and quality.

A life cycle where generations alternate between haploid (n) and diploid (2n)

Alternation of generation

A life cycle where generations alternate between haploid n and diploid 2n. Alternation of generation. It is a process where organisms switch between two forms one with a single set of chromosomes and another with a double set.

A spore produced by, or contained in an ascus

Ascospore

A spore produced by, or contained in an ascus. Ascospore. An ascospore is a type of fungal spore that is formed inside a sac-like structure called an ascus.

Saclike structures in ascomycete fungi that produce ascospores

Ascus

Saclike structures in ascomycete fungi that produce ascospores. Ascus. An ascus is a special sac in certain fungi where spores form for reproduction.

A spore produced in a basidium of a basidiomycete

Basidiospore

A spore produced in a basidium of a basidiomycete. Basidiospore. A basidiospore is a reproductive cell produced by certain fungi, helping them spread and grow.

A club-shaped, spore-producing structure in basidiomycetes

Basidium

A club-shaped, spore-producing structure in basidiomycetes. Basidium. It is a tiny structure in certain fungi where spores are produced for reproduction.

Tough polysaccharide that makes up insect exoskeletons and fungi cell walls

Chitin

Tough polysaccharide that makes up insect exoskeletons and fungi cell walls. Chitin. It is a natural material that provides structure and protection to these organisms.

Short, hair-like projections that help an organism move

Cilium

Short, hair-like projections that help an organism move. Cilium. Cilia are small, hair-like structures on cells that help them move or sense their surroundings.

The reproductive structure of a fungus, it produces spores and grows from a mycelium

Fruiting body

The reproductive structure of a fungus, it produces spores and grows from a mycelium. Fruiting body. In simple terms, a fruiting body is the part of a fungus that releases spores for reproduction.

The kingdom of organisms that absorb nutrients from dead matter, like mushrooms or molds

Fungi

The kingdom of organisms that absorb nutrients from dead matter, like mushrooms or molds. Fungi are living organisms that decompose organic material to get nutrients.

Gamete-producing haploid structure of zygomycetes

Gametangium

Gamete-producing haploid structure of zygomycetes gametangium. A gametangium is a structure where reproductive cells or gametes are formed in certain fungi.

The threadlike tubes that make up the body of a fungus

Hyphae

The threadlike tubes that make up the body of a fungus. Hyphae are like tiny, branching tubes that help fungi absorb nutrients.

An organism made up of a fungus and a green alga, in a symbiotic relationship

Lichen

An organism made up of a fungus and a green alga, in a symbiotic relationship. Lichen. Lichen is a partnership between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium that live together and support each other's survival.

The mass of branching hyphae of a fungus

Mycelium

The mass of branching hyphae of a fungus. Mycelium. Mycelium is a network of thread-like structures that forms the main growing part of a fungus.

A symbiotic relationship where a fungus and a plant’s roots supply each other nutrients

Mycorrhiza

A symbiotic relationship where a fungus and a plants roots supply each other nutrients. Mycorrhiza. It is the partnership between fungi and plant roots that helps plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

The feeding stage of a slime mold, its cytoplasm has diploid nuclei but no separate cells

Plasmodium

The feeding stage of a slime mold, its cytoplasm has diploid nuclei but no separate cells. Plasmodium. Plasmodium is a mass of cytoplasm containing many nuclei, which functions as a single large cell in slime molds.

A unicellular or multicellular organism that is not plant, animal or fungus

Protist

A unicellular or multicellular organism that is not plant, animal or fungus. Protist. Protists are diverse, mostly single-celled organisms that live in water or moist environments.

A one-celled protist that eats other organisms, like an amoeba

Protozoan

A one-celled protist that eats other organisms, like an amoeba. Protozoan. Protozoans are single-celled organisms that can move and often prey on other microorganisms.

Extension of the cytoplasm that some protists use to move, also called ‘false foot’

Pseudopod

Extension of the cytoplasm that some protists use to move, also called false foot. Pseudopod is a temporary, arm-like structure that certain cells, like amoebas, use to move and capture food.

A thin rootlike structure that absorbs nutrients and anchors nonvascular plants

Rhizoid

A thin rootlike structure that absorbs nutrients and anchors nonvascular plants. Rhizoid. Rhizoids are hair-like structures that help nonvascular plants, like mosses, attach to surfaces and take in nutrients.

The case in which fungal spores are produced

Sporangium

The case in which fungal spores are produced. Sporangium. A sporangium is a structure in fungi and some plants where spores are formed for reproduction.

A reproductive cell that can grow into a new plant

Spore

A reproductive cell that can grow into a new plant. Spore. Spores are tiny cells that help plants, fungi, and some bacteria reproduce and spread without needing a seed.

A horizontal stem that produces roots when it touches the ground

Stolon

A horizontal stem that produces roots when it touches the ground. Stolon. In simple terms, a stolon is a plant stem that grows along the ground and can sprout new plants at its nodes.

A thick-walled spore that contains zygotes, it germinates when conditions are favorable

Zygospore

A thick-walled spore that contains zygotes, it germinates when conditions are favorable. Zygospore. A zygospore is a tough spore formed for survival by some fungi, containing a zygote that grows into a new organism when the environment is right.