Answer:
D. The shape of the fruiting bodies on the fungi
Explanation:
Fungi are eukaryotic in nature. This means they have a well defined nucleus and membrane bound organelles.
Fungi can be unicellular or multicellular organisms. They are reproduce either sexually by meiosis or asexually by the use of spores(condia) or through their mycelia in nature.
Fungi are mostly saprophytic organisms because they break down, live and feed on dead and decaying organic matter. Although there are some kinds of fungi that are parasitic in nature as well.
Fungi are classified based on the size and shape of their fruiting bodies.
Fruiting bodies are defined as structures present in fungi that is responsible for the formations of spore producing structures such as Asci and Basidia. Fruiting bodes are multicellular in nature.
Classification of fungi includes:
a. Chytridiomycota (True fungi). They reproduce sexually and asexually.
b. Zygomycota (Conjugated Fungi) e.g. Rhizopus stolonifer. The fungi usually reproduce asexually by producing sporangiospores
c. Ascomycota (The Sac Fungi) e.g. Aspergillus oryzae. They reproduce both asexually ( using spores also know as Condia ) and sexually ( using asci)
d. Basidiomycota (The Club Fungi) e.g Cryptococcus neoformans. They reproduce sexually.
e. Deuteromycota (The Imperfect Fungi). They reproduce asexually by the use of conidiospores.
f. Glomeromycota: They reproduce asexually.
Fungi have some beneficial and harmful uses.
Some beneficial uses of fungi are:
a. They are used in the manufacture of drugs . For example Penicillium as fungi is used to manufacture Penicillin which is an antibiotic for treating diseases.
b. They are used as sources of food. For example: Mushroom is a types of fungi that is consumed as food. It is a very healthy source of protein.
c. They are used industrially to manufacture food. For example: Yeast. Yeast is a type of fungi used in the production of foods such as Bread, Wine, Beer, Yoghurt. e.t.c
Some of the harmful effects of fungi are:
a. Some fungi have spoilage effects on plants and crops . For example: Mucor species , Rhizopus species (Bread Mold).
b. Some fungi cause diseases in human beings . For examples: Candida species.
