Question

Which of the following cells or structures are associated with asexual reproduction in fungi?

(A) ascospores

(B) basidiospores

(C) zygosporangia

(D) conidiophores

Short answer

(A) The option “ascospores” is false.

(B) The option “basidiospores” is false.

(C) The option “zygosporangia” is false.

(D) The option “conidiophores” is true.

Step-by-step solution

Asexual reproduction

Asexual reproduction does not require male and female parents to produce offspring. During this type of reproduction, the involvement of a single parent will develop offspring. Asexual reproduction creates offspring that are genetically identical.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

An ascospore forms in the ascus, and it requires a few optimal conditions. An ascus is a cell associated with sexual spores and produces inside the ascomycete fungi. Some Ascomycota species reproduce asexually and do not produce ascospores.

Thus, ascospores are not associated with asexual reproduction.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Basidium carries basidiospores and is associated with sexual reproduction. Inside the basidium, nuclei from separate mating strains are fused to develop diploid zygotes. The diploid zygote will then go through meiosis.

Thus, basidiospores do not perform asexual production.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Zygomycetes are a fungus type and produce both zygosporangia and zygospore through sexual reproduction. When the cytoplasm of two fungi combines, nuclei will fuse and develop diploid nuclei.

After the process, a thick wall forms around the nuclei that are known as zygosporangium.

Thus, zygosporangium is associated with fusion and sexual reproduction.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Conidium is a fungal spore that is associated with asexual reproduction. Conidium develops on either the side of the hyphae or on top of it. Sometimes, these spores produce on the structures known as conidiophores. Conidiophores produce conidium spores.

Thus, conidiophores are the structure related to the production of asexual reproductive spores.

Therefore, the given statement is true.