Parasitism

Definition

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another (the host). In fungi, this often involves the fungi deriving nutrients from the host, causing harm to it.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fungal parasites can infect plants, animals, and humans, leading to various diseases.
2. Obligate parasitic fungi cannot complete their life cycle without exploiting a suitable host.
3. Some parasitic fungi produce specialized structures like haustoria to penetrate and extract nutrients from the host cells.
4. Examples of fungal parasites include rusts, smuts, and chytrids that affect crops and other plants.
5. Mycoses are fungal infections in humans caused by pathogenic fungi like Candida and Aspergillus.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes obligate parasitic fungi from other types of fungal parasites?
• How do haustoria function in the context of fungal parasitism?
• Can you name two examples of fungal parasites that affect plants?

Related terms

Symbiosis:

A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.

Mycorrhizae: A symbiotic association between a fungus and plant roots that benefits both parties.

Pathogen: An organism that causes disease in its host, which can include bacteria, viruses, or fungi.