Free Kingdom Fungi MCQs with Answers

191. The citric acid is produced by:

• A. Candida utilis
• B. Azotobacter suboxydans
• C. Aspergillus niger
• D. Streptococcus lactis

Explanation: 'Citric acid' is obtained through the fermentation carried out by Aspergillus niger on sugary syrups. Citric acid is employed in dyeing, engraving, medicines, inks, flavouring and preservation of food and candies.

192. The organism used for alcohol fermentation is:

• A. Aspergillus
• B. Saccharomyces
• C. Pseudomonas
• D. Penicillium

Explanation: Saccharomyces converts starch or sugars to pyruvic acid through EMP pathway. Then this pyruvic acid is converted to acetaldehyde and finally to ethyl alcohol in the absence of oxygen. This entire process is called fermentation.C 6 H 12 O 6 - 2CH 2 COCOOH - 2C 2 H 5 OH + 2CO 2 This released carbon dioxide makes the dough to rise and gives spongy nature to bread.

193. In cheese manufacture, the microorganisms are important for:

• A. The ripening only.
• B. The souring of milk only.
• C. The development of resistance to spoilage only.
• D. Both the souring and the ripening processes.

Explanation: The souring of milk is primarily attributed to the activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which are a type of microorganism. These bacteria are responsible for converting lactose, the sugar in milk, into lactic acid through fermentation. This process lowers the pH of the milk and gives it a tangy or sour flavor. During ripening, specific strains of bacteria and molds are introduced to the cheese. These microorganisms break down proteins and fats, which significantly influence the cheese's flavor, texture, and aroma. The type of microorganisms used during ripening can result in various types of cheese, such as cheddar, blue cheese, or camembert.

194. Which of the following represents the maximum number of species among global biodiversity?

• A. Fungi
• B. Mosses and Ferns
• C. Algae
• D. Lichens

Explanation: Fungi is a large kingdom of over 72,000 species. They are achlorophyllous, heterotrophic, spore-forming, non­vascular, eukaryotic organisms that contain chitin or fungal cellulose in their walls and possess glycogen as a food reserve. They are major decomposers of many ecosystems and are associated with many organisms.

195. Plants show better growth:

• A. Temperature
• B. Food
• C. Light
• D. Water

Explanation: Plants show better growth in water because water is essential for photosynthesis, transporting nutrients, and keeping the plant cells firm and upright. Without enough water, plants wilt and cannot make their own food or grow properly, even if light and temperature are suitable.

196. The feature that is similar in both phylums, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, of the kingdom fungi is:

• A. Presence of septate hyphae
• B. Absence of sexual reproduction
• C. Use of conidia for asexual reproduction
• D. Occurrence of right sexual spores in internal sacs

Explanation: The key similarity between Ascomycota and Basidiomycota is the presence of septate hyphae. Hyphae are the thread-like structures that make up the body of a fungus, and in both Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, these hyphae are divided by septa. This structural feature is significant as it supports the complex multicellular organization found in these groups.Other options highlight differences rather than similarities: both phyla reproduce sexually, but through distinct structures (asci in Ascomycota and basidia in Basidiomycota). Conidia are specific to Ascomycota for asexual reproduction, and the concept of 'internal sacs' refers to Asci, which is not found in Basidiomycota.

197. In Ascomycetes, a round or oval fruiting body without any external opening which encloses the asci is identified as:

• A. Apothecium
• B. Perithecium
• C. Clesitothecium
• D. Pseudothecium

Explanation: In Ascomycetes, a Cleistothecium is a round or oval fruiting body that is completely enclosed, meaning it lacks any external opening. This structure houses the asci, where the spores are formed. Other types of fruiting bodies, such as Apothecia and perithecia, have openings that allow spores to be released, which distinguishes them from Cleistothecia. A Pseudothecium, although similar in appearance to a Perithecium, differs in its internal structure and development. Understanding these differences helps in identifying the correct type of fruiting body described in the question.

198. The given diagram shows the life cycle of a zygomycete.The option that identifies the events that occur at stages I, II and III is

• A. Plasmogamy, Karyogamy, Meiosis
• B. Karyogamy, Plasmogamy, Meiosis
• C. Plasmogamy, Karyogamy, Mitosis
• D. Karyogamy, Plasmogamy, Mitosis

Explanation: In Zygomycota, plasmogamy is the fusion of the cytoplasm of two compatible mating types during sexual reproduction, followed by karyogamy which is the fusion of two haploid nuclei within a zygospore and then meiosis in which the germination of the zygospore occurs. This is the correct order. So A is correct order. Other options give the wrong order.

199. A group of horticulturists observed that orchids do not show better growth unless anappropriate fungus lives close to their roots.The given association between orchids and fungus is identified as:

• A. Lichen
• B. Mycorrhizae
• C. Saprophytic molds
• D. Parasitic mildews

Explanation: The term mycorrhizae refers to a symbiotic association between fungi and the roots of a plant. This relationship is mutualistic, meaning that both the plant and the fungus benefit from the association. In the case of orchids, mycorrhizae are crucial for their growth because the fungi help in the absorption of nutrients and water from the soil, which enhances the plant's growth. This association is different from lichens, which involve a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria, not plant roots. Saprophytic molds decompose dead organic matter and do not engage in mutualistic relationships with living plants. Parasitic mildews extract nutrients from plants, harming them rather than helping them.

200. Given is the microscopic view of a fungal slide.The fungus identified is

• A. Yeast
• B. Rhizopus
• C. Mushroom
• D. Penicillium

Explanation: The diagram shows a branched, brush-like conidiophore with chains of conidia-this is the classic structure of Penicillium. Yeast is unicellular, Rhizopus forms round sporangia, and mushrooms are macroscopic, so none of these match the illustrated microscopic brush-like appearance. Therefore, the fungus identified is Penicillium.