Fungi Quiz Questions And Answers

Explanation
The statement "Most are unicellular, and some are multi-cellular" implies that the majority of the subject being referred to are unicellular, while a smaller portion are multi-cellular. However, the correct answer is "False," indicating that this statement is not true. Therefore, it can be inferred that the subject being discussed does not follow the pattern of being mostly unicellular with some being multi-cellular.

Explanation
Most organisms being saprotrophic means that they obtain their nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. This is a common characteristic among many organisms such as fungi and bacteria. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients back into the environment. Therefore, it is true that most organisms are saprotrophic.

Explanation
Fungi do not photosynthesize. Unlike plants, fungi cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain nutrients by breaking down organic matter in their environment. Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that rely on external sources of organic compounds for energy.

Explanation
Cell walls are made of chitin, not cellulose. Chitin is a strong, flexible, and nitrogen-containing polysaccharide that provides structural support to the cell walls of fungi, insects, and other organisms. On the other hand, cellulose is a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants and some algae. Therefore, the statement is true because cell walls are indeed composed of chitin, not cellulose.

Explanation
Fungi do not contain motile cells. Unlike animals, fungi do not have muscles or flagella that allow them to move. Instead, they rely on other means of dispersal such as spores or growing towards favorable conditions. Therefore, the statement that fungi contain motile cells is false.

Explanation
Coenocytic refers to a type of hyphae where the nuclei are not separated by cross-walls. In coenocytic hyphae, the cytoplasm is continuous throughout the entire structure, allowing for easy movement of nutrients and organelles. This is in contrast to septate hyphae, where cross-walls divide the hyphae into individual cells. Therefore, the statement that coenocytic hyphae have nuclei not separated by cross-walls is true.

Explanation
Mitosis does not occur in the zygosporangium. Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, while the zygosporangium is a structure formed during sexual reproduction in fungi. The zygosporangium contains zygotes, which are formed through the fusion of gametes. Therefore, the statement is false.

Explanation
The statement is true. Ascomycota, a phylum of fungi, indeed has two types of asexual reproduction. These types are known as budding and the production of asexual spores called conidia. Budding involves the formation of small outgrowths or buds on the parent organism, which eventually detach and grow into new individuals. Conidia, on the other hand, are specialized spores that are produced asexually and can germinate to form new fungal colonies.

Explanation
The statement is true because after fertilization, the zygote nucleus undergoes meiosis, a type of cell division, to form ascospores. Ascospores are reproductive structures found in fungi, particularly in the Ascomycota phylum. These ascospores are eventually released from the zygote, allowing them to disperse and potentially develop into new organisms. Therefore, the given statement is correct.

Explanation
Basidiomycota is a phylum of fungi that includes mushrooms, puffballs, and rusts. Hyphae are the thread-like structures that make up the body of a fungus. Cross-walls, also known as septa, are partitions that divide the hyphae into compartments. These cross-walls are found in the hyphae of Basidiomycota, allowing for the separation of cytoplasm and organelles. Therefore, the statement that hyphae in Basidiomycota have cross-walls is true.

Explanation
Asexual reproduction in Basidiomycota is not very common. Basidiomycota is a phylum of fungi that typically reproduces sexually through the formation of basidia and basidiospores. While some species within this phylum may have the ability to reproduce asexually under certain conditions, it is not a predominant mode of reproduction for Basidiomycota as a whole.

Explanation
Basidia are indeed swollen hyphal tips that resemble clubs. These structures are found in basidiomycete fungi, which include common mushrooms. Basidia play a crucial role in the reproduction of these fungi, as they produce and release spores. The spores are then dispersed to colonize new areas and continue the fungal life cycle. Therefore, the statement "Basidia (singular basidium) are swollen hyphal tips that look like clubs" is true.

Explanation
Lipoic acid is indeed an antidote to mushroom poisoning. It has been found to be effective in treating poisoning caused by the ingestion of certain types of mushrooms, such as the death cap mushroom. Lipoic acid helps to protect the liver from the toxins present in these mushrooms and can potentially save lives when administered promptly after ingestion. Therefore, the statement "Lipoic acid is an antidote to mushroom poisoning" is true.

Explanation
The statement is false because any fungus where a sexual stage has not been observed is classified in the division Deuteromycota. This division is also known as "Fungi Imperfecti" because it contains fungi that do not have a known sexual reproductive stage. Therefore, the absence of a sexual stage is a defining characteristic of Deuteromycota.