Question 1: Define fungi and describe their basic structural features relevant to their classification as a kingdom of organisms.

Answer: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms with a cell wall made of chitin; they typically have a network of hyphae that form a mycelium, and reproduce via spores.

Question 2: Explain how fungi reproduce sexually and asexually, highlighting key differences.

Answer: Fungi reproduce asexually through the production of spores by mitosis, often via specialised structures like sporangia or conidiophores. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of hyphae from different mating types, leading to the formation of spores via meiosis, which increases genetic variation.

Question 3: Multiple choice: Which of the following is a common component of fungal cell walls?

Answer: Chitin

Question 4: Fill in the blank: Fungi are primarily heterotrophic organisms that obtain nutrients by __________ organic material.

Answer: absorbing

Question 5: Describe the role of fungi in decomposing organic matter within ecosystems.

Answer: Fungi act as decomposers by breaking down complex organic materials like cellulose and lignin in dead plant and animal matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and supporting ecosystem health.

Question 6: Calculate the surface area to volume ratio of a spherical fungal spore with a diameter of 10 micrometres. Use the formula: SA/V = 3/d, where d is diameter.

Answer: SA/V = 3 / 10μm = 0.3 μm⁻¹

Question 7: Identify two safety precautions that should be observed when handling fungal cultures in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wearing gloves and working in a sterile environment to prevent contamination and exposure to potentially pathogenic fungi.

Question 8: Describe how fungi can impact agriculture, providing one example of a fungal disease and its effect.

Answer: Fungi can cause crop diseases such as wheat rust, which damages the plants' tissues, reduces crop yield, and can lead to significant economic losses.

Question 9: Explain how fungi are used beneficially in industry, giving a specific example.

Answer: Fungi like Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) are used in baking and brewing to produce bread, beer, and wine through fermentation processes.

Question 10: Discuss the potential health effects of fungal infections in humans, mentioning at least one common fungal pathogen.

Answer: Fungal infections can range from superficial conditions like athlete’s foot, caused by Trichophyton species, to more serious systemic infections such as candidiasis caused by Candida albicans, which can affect internal organs, especially in immunocompromised individuals.