Question

What is often referred to as the Drosophila of the plant kingdom?

Answer 1

Neurospora:

1. Neurospora is a pink bread mould belonging to ascomycetes fungi.
2. It has characteristic striations seen on the spores which resemble axons of the nerves.
3. Neurospora species are moulds with widely spreading colonies.
4. Eight ascospores are produced by Neurospora.
5. It is commonly used in experimental studies just like the organism Drosophila, hence it is known as Drosophila of the plant kingdom.

Characteristics of Neurospora crassa:

1. They reproduce very quickly.
2. They have a small life cycle.
3. It is very easy to culture them because they can survive on minimal media.