Concept Questions

Take some time to write answers to these questions. If you can answer them, you have a good grasp of the material!

1. Construct a chart indicating the major similarities and differences between procaryotic and eucaryotic cells.

2. Which kingdoms of the five-kingdom system contain eucaryotic microorganisms? How do unicellular, colonial, and multicellular organisms differ from each other? Give examples of each type.

3. Describe the anatomy and functions of each of the major eucaryotic organelles. How are flagella and cilia similar? How are they different?

4. Compare and contrast the smooth ER, the rough ER, and the Golgi apparatus in structure and function. Trace the synthesis of cell products, their processing, and their packaging through the organelle network.

5. Describe the detailed structure of the nucleus. Why can one usually not see the chromosomes? When are the chromosomes visible? What causes them to be visible?

6. Define mitosis and explain its function. What happens to the chromosome number during this process? How does a diploid organism remain diploid and a haploid organism remain haploid?

7. Define meiosis and explain its function. When does it occur in diploid organisms? In haploid organisms? How does it differ from mitosis?

8. Describe some of the ways that organisms use lysosomes.

9. For what reasons would a cell need a "skeleton"?

10. Differentiate between the yeast and hypha types of fungal cell. What is a mold? What does it mean if a fungus is dimorphic?

11. How does a fungus feed? Where would one expect to find fungi?

12. Describe the functional types of hyphae. Describe the two main types of asexual fungal spores and how they are formed. What are some types of conidia? What is the reproductive potential of molds in terms of spore production? How do mold spores differ from procaryotic spores?

13. Explain the importance of sexual spores to fungi. Describe the three main types, and explain how each is formed by means of a simple diagram.

14. How are fungi classified? Give an example of a member of each fungus division and describe its structure and importance.

15. What is a mycosis? What kind of mycosis is athlete’s foot? What kind is coccidioidomycosis?

16. What is a working definition of a "protist"?

17. Describe the principal characteristics of algae that separate them from protozoa. How are algae important? What causes the many colors in the algae? Are there any algae of medical importance?

18. Explain the general characteristics of the protozoan life cycle. Describe the protozoan adaptations for feeding. Describe protozoan reproductive processes.

19. Briefly outline the characteristics of the four protozoan groups. What is an important pathogen in each group?

20. Which protozoan group is the most complex in structure and behavior? In life cycle? What characteristics set the sporozoa apart from the other protozoan groups?

21. Construct a chart that compares the four groups of eucaryotic microorganisms (fungi, algae, protozoa, helminths) in cellular structure. Indicate whether the group has a cell wall, chloroplasts, motility, or some other distinguishing feature. Include also the manner of nutrition and body plan (unicellular, colonial, filamentous, or multicellular).

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