From Virus to Fungi

Interactions Symbiosis- A close relationship in which one organism benefits, but the other is not harmed. Ex. Bird builds a nest in a tree. Mutualism- A relationship in which both species benefit. Ex. Bee and flower Parasitism- A relationship in which one species benefits, and the other is harmed. Ex. Protozoan spreading malaria through mosquitoes.

Virus A virus is a tiny, non-living particle that enters and then reproduces inside a living cell. Viruses can only multiply when they are inside a living cell. The organism is a host, and the virus acts like a parasite, by destroying the cells in which they multiply.

Virus Shapes Viruses have many different shapes A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria.

Structure of Viruses All viruses have two basic parts: a protein coat to protect it and an inner core made of genetic material. Viruses are very tiny.

Viruses Multiplying Once inside a cell, a virus’s genetic material takes over many of the cells functions. It instructs the cell to produce the virus’s proteins and genetic material. These proteins and genetic material then assemble into new viruses.

Bacteria Bacteria are prokaryotes. The genetic material in their cells is not contained in a nucleus. Bacteria must have a source of food and a way of breaking down the food to release its energy. The process of breaking down food to release its energy is called respiration.

Bacteria Shape 3 basic shapes- spherical, rod like, or spiral. Can be big to small in size.

Reproduction Asexual Reproduction- is a reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are identical to the parent. Binary fission- bacteria uses this method in which a cell divides to form two identical cells. Mitosis- DNA copies, the cells start to split and separate into 2 daughter cells.

Reproduction Sexual reproduction, performed by some bacteria- involves two parents who combine their genetic material to produce a new organism. Endospore- a small, rounded, thick-walled, resting cell that forms inside a bacterial cell. This happens in extreme conditions, which helps it to wait to reproduce.

Protists Protists are eukaryotes that cannot be classified as animals, plants, or fungi. They are unicellular. Animal-like protists are heterotrophs and are able to move from place to place to obtain food.

Protozoan Amoebas use psuedopods, which are temporary budges that help it gain food and to move. Amoebas engulf their food. Paramecium’s use cilia, hair-like projections from cells to move.

Protozoan Flagellates are protists that use long, whip like, flagella to move. It can be 1 or more flagella. Euglenas use a flagellum. Parasites feed on cells and body fluids of their hosts, causing them harm.

Plantlike Protists Euglena and Volvox Euglena can be green if they have chloroplasts and make their own food. Also have a red eyespot. Volvox are similar to the Euglena, except they live in colonies.

Volvox A Volvox is a type of green algae. It is spherical, with a red eyespot that allows it to swim towards the light. Volvox are green, being made of chloroplast that allow them to make food through photosynthesis.

Fungus-like Protists A spore is a tiny cell that is able to grow into a new organism. Like fungi, fungus like protists are heterotrophs, have cell walls and use spores to reproduce. Example- molds

Fungi Fungi are eukaryotes that have cell walls, are heterotrophs that feed by absorbing their food, and use spores to reproduce. Fungi usually reproduce by making spores. The lightweight spores are surrounded by a protective covering and can be carried easily through air or water to new sites.

The role of Fungi Fungi play important roles as decomposers and recyclers on Earth. Many fungi provide foods for people. Some fungi cause disease while others fight disease. Still other fungi live in symbiosis with other organisms.