Medical Device Reprocessing Association of Ontario (MDRAO) Practice Exam

Which category of microorganisms includes molds and yeasts?

1. Bacteria

2. Viruses

3. Fungi

4. Prions

The correct answer is: Fungi

The correct answer is "C. Fungi" because the category of microorganisms known as fungi encompasses both molds and yeasts. Fungi are a distinct group of organisms that are characterized by their eukaryotic cell structure, which means they have a defined nucleus and organelles. This reproductive group is crucial in various ecological roles, such as decomposers in ecosystems and even in food production, where yeasts are used in baking and brewing. Molds, which are multicellular fungi, grow as filamentous structures known as hyphae, forming a mycelium. Yeasts, on the other hand, are unicellular fungi that reproduce primarily by budding. The inclusion of both molds and yeasts in the fungi category highlights their shared biological characteristics and ecological importance, distinguishing them from other microorganism categories like bacteria, viruses, and prions, each of which has unique structural and functional differences.