Question

Which of the following statements is incorrect about the class deuteromycetes?

• A. They reproduce only by asexual spores (conidia)
• B. Mycelium in these fungi is branched and septate
• C. They have only parasitic forms
• D. Examples of these fungi are Alternaria, Colletotrichum and Trichoderma

Answer 1

The correct option is C They have only parasitic forms

Deuteromycetes are also known as "fungi imperfecti" because perfect stage of sexual reproduction is absent in this class of fungi. Those fungi are included in this class in which sexual reproduction is absent or not discovered yet. The following are some of the characeristics:

• Mycelium: Septate, branched and multinucleate or uninucleate.
• Asexual reproduction: Takes place with the help of conidia.
• Some members of class deuteromycetes are saprophytes or parasites, while a more significant number are decomposers of litter and help in mineral cycling. For example - Alternaria, Colletotrichum and Trichoderma.

Hence, the incorrect statement is option c.