Short / Long answer type questions.
Name three modifications of fungal mycelium and mention their uses if any
Name three modifications of fungal mycelium and mention their uses if any
- Stromata:
Any fungal tissue that forms reproductive structures is called Stromata. These are compact somatic structures like mattresses. Generally, sclerotia on germination form stromata in which reproductive structures develop.
- Appressorium:
These are common in parasitic fungi mostly ectoparasites. An appressorium is a terminal simple or lobed swollen structure of germ tubes or infection hyphae. It adheres to the surface of the host and helps in the penetration of hyphae of the pathogen. Appressoria are commonly formed by the parasitic members of the order Erysiphales.
- Haustorium:
These are mostly produced as intracellular absorbing structures of obligate parasites. Haustoria are usually produced in those fungi in which intercellular mycelium are found. They vary in shape and may be knob shaped or branched finger-shaped. They secrete certain specific enzymes which hydrolyze the proteins and carbohydrates of the host cell and thus they absorb nutrients from the host without killing it.
- Stromata:
Any fungal tissue that forms reproductive structures is called Stromata. These are compact somatic structures like mattresses. Generally, sclerotia on germination form stromata in which reproductive structures develop.
- Appressorium:
These are common in parasitic fungi mostly ectoparasites. An appressorium is a terminal simple or lobed swollen structure of germ tubes or infection hyphae. It adheres to the surface of the host and helps in the penetration of hyphae of the pathogen. Appressoria are commonly formed by the parasitic members of the order Erysiphales.
- Haustorium:
These are mostly produced as intracellular absorbing structures of obligate parasites. Haustoria are usually produced in those fungi in which intercellular mycelium are found. They vary in shape and may be knob shaped or branched finger-shaped. They secrete certain specific enzymes which hydrolyze the proteins and carbohydrates of the host cell and thus they absorb nutrients from the host without killing it.
