Unit 6: Fungi
Mycology, or the study of fungi, focuses on a diverse set of eukaryotic organisms that range from microscopic single-cells to large mushrooms. Fungi include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They are decomposers that have chitin in their cell walls. Fungi range from harmless, tasty mushrooms to fatally poisonous toxins. Humans have cultivated fungi not only for food but also for pest control and bioremediation. Penicillin, the first common antibiotic, was derived from the Penicillium mold. Even today, many newly discovered antibiotics have ties to fungi. In this unit, we will look at both those fungi commonly associated with disease as well those that have been cultivated for specialized purposes.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 12 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- describe the general characteristics of fungi, including growth requirements and reproductive properties;
- identify which fungi are pathogenic and the common infection site;
- identify examples of mycotoxins and their sources;
- explain how opportunistic fungi can cause infections; and
- discuss the role of special fungi in making antibiotics, beer, and bread.
6.1: Fungi and Human Disease
Read this article to learn about pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi.
Read this article for an introduction to fungi, their growth requirements, and their reproductive properties.
6.2: True Pathogenic Fungi
Read this article. It does a great job discussing pathogenic (disease-causing) fungi. Take advantage of the PowerPoint lecture slides as you study.
6.3: Mycotoxins
Watch this video, which discusses how mycotoxins can contaminate a home and spread to humans.
6.4: Opportunistic Fungi
6.4.1: Yeasts
Read this article. Candida is one of the most common causes of yeast infections in humans. Other yeasts, such as Cryptococcus, also cause opportunistic infections. Candida includes many species that cause infections, such as thrush and common yeast infections in women.
6.4.2: Pneumocystis
Read this article about pneumocystis.
6.4.3: Aspergillus
Read the section titled "Aspergillus." Aspergillus is commonly found in the environment and can act as on opportunistic pathogen.
6.5: Specialized Fungi
6.5.1: Penicillium
Read this article on the fungus from which the antibiotic penicillin is derived.
6.5.2: Saccharomyces
Read this article about Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, which makes baker's and brewer's yeast, which is then used to bake bread, brew beer, and ferment wine.
Complete this quiz. After completing the quiz return to the first page and click on "Answers" to see the correct answers. There is a detailed introduction to this assessment above the "Self-Quiz." Be sure to visit the "Results" section, also note that clicking on the links under the empty frames brings you to annotated micrographs.
Complete this quiz. After completing the quiz return to the first page and click on "Answers" to see the correct answers. There is a detailed introduction to this assessment above the "Self-Quiz." Be sure to visit the "Results" section, also note that clicking on the links under the empty frames brings you to annotated micrographs.
6.6: Antifungals
Read this article on the antifungal drugs used to treat a variety of fungal infections.