Question

Which of the following are characteristics of Deuteromycota? Check all that apply.

lack reproduction phase

spores produced in basidia

flagellated spores

important in the food industry

important in medicine

can cause human infection

can cause disease to plants

Answer 1

lack reproduction phase
important in medicine
can cause human infection

Answer 2

Correct answers:
- lack reproduction phase (interpret as: lack a known sexual reproductive stage) — Yes.
Deuteromycota (Fungi imperfecti) are defined by having no observed/known sexual stage.

- important in the food industry — Yes.
Many imperfect fungi (e.g., Penicillium species used in cheese) are important in food production and fermentation.

- important in medicine — Yes.
Some produce medically important compounds (e.g., penicillin) and industrial enzymes.

- can cause human infection — Yes.
Several “imperfect” fungi are opportunistic human pathogens (e.g., some Candida/Aspergillus species historically placed here).

- can cause disease to plants — Yes.
Many plant pathogens (Alternaria, Fusarium, etc.) were included in Deuteromycota when their sexual stages were unknown.

Not correct:
- spores produced in basidia — No.
Basidiospores are characteristic of Basidiomycota, not Deuteromycota.

- flagellated spores — No.
Flagellated spores occur in chytrids (Chytridiomycota), not in Deuteromycota.

Note: “Deuteromycota” is an artificial/historical grouping; many members are now placed in Ascomycota or other phyla once their sexual stages were discovered.