Lecture Notes: Fungi and Protists

Overview

• Examination of fungi and protists
• Discussion on diseases caused by fungi and protists

Fungi

• Characteristics

  • Eukaryotic organisms
  • Can be unicellular (e.g., yeast) or multicellular (e.g., mushrooms)
  • Structure: Multicellular fungi have hyphae (thread-like structures) that spread in soil
  • Reproduction: Hyphae produce spores which can expand and form new fungi

• Diseases

  • Rose Black Spot
    • Symptoms: Purple or black spots on leaves, yellowing, and leaf drop
    • Impact: Reduces plant photosynthesis and growth
    • Transmission: Via water or wind
    • Treatment:
      • Remove and destroy infected leaves
      • Use fungicides to kill fungi

Protists

• Characteristics

  • Eukaryotic, mostly unicellular
  • Many are parasites living on or inside other organisms

• Transmission

  • Often transported by vectors like insects
  • Vectors do not get the disease

• Diseases

  • Malaria
    • Caused by parasitic protist
    • Host: Humans or other animals
    • Vector: Mosquitoes
    • Process:
      • Infected mosquito bites another animal, transferring parasites
    • Symptoms: Recurrent fevers, headaches, potential fatality

• Prevention

  • Reduce vector population (e.g., mosquitoes)
    • Destroy breeding sites
    • Use insecticides
  • Prevent vectors from feeding on humans
    • Use mosquito nets or repellents

Conclusion

• Summary of key points on fungi and protists
• Encouragement to use preventive methods against vector-borne diseases
• Reminder to like and subscribe for more content