Question

For each of the four groups of perfect fungi (Chytridiomycota, Zygomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota), compare the body structure and features, and provide an example.

Short answer

Chytridiomycota have a unicellular body structure.

Zygomycota have a multicellular body structure.

Ascomycota have unicellular or multicellular body structure.

Basidiomycota have multicellular bodies structure.

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Introduction  

• Chytridiomycota (also, chytrids) primitive phylum of fungi that live in water and produce gametes with flagella.
• Zygomycota (also, conjugated fungi) phylum of fungi that form a zygote contained in a zygospore.
• Ascomycota (also, sac fungi) phylum of fungi that store spores in a sac called ascus.
• Basidiomycota (also, club fungi) phylum of fungi that produce club-shaped structures (basidia) that contain spores.

Step2. Explanation  

• Chytridiomycota (Chytrids) may have a unicellular or multicellular body structure; some are aquatic with motile spores with flagella; an example is the Allomyces.
• Zygomycota (conjugated fungi) have a multicellular body structure; features include zygospores and presence in soil; examples are bread and fruit molds.
• Ascomycota (sac fungi) may have unicellular or multicellular body structure; a feature is sexual spores in sacs (asci); examples include the yeasts used in bread, wine, and beer production.
• Basidiomycota (club fungi) have multicellular bodies; features includes sexual spores in the basidiocarp (mushroom) and that they are mostly decomposers; mushroom-producing fungi are an example.