Why are chytrid fungi of such keen research interest to biologists?

What will be an ideal response?


Chytrid fungus are the only fungi that produce motile spores that are propelled by flagella. They most
closely resemble the probable protist ancestor of the fungal lineage. They are the only fungal phyla
with species that are primarily aquatic. They require a film of water for reproduction because spores
swim through water, such that even the terrestrial species can only reproduce in wet soils. Chytrid
fungus are also associated with killing an estimated two-thirds of a species of tropical frog (harlequin
frogs). Warmer temperatures associated with global warming have probably provided optimal growing
conditions for the fungus, resulting in a disease epidemic in frogs.

Biology & Microbiology

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Which urinary system structure is responsible for transferring the urine to the bladder?

a. Renal pelvis b. Ureter c. Urethra d. Kidney e. Renal capsule

Biology & Microbiology

Animals that live in the spaces between fine sediment grains are specifically called:

a. infauna. b. epiphytic. c. meiofauna. d. epifauna. e. epizoa.

Biology & Microbiology

Which reaction is NOT an exergonic reaction?

a. protein synthesis b. explosion c. fire d. respiration e. movement

Biology & Microbiology

Most of the water absorbed by the plant enters through the

A. root cap. B. lenticels. C. root apical meristem. D. stomata. E. root hairs.

Biology & Microbiology