Question

These statements compare and contrast Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.

I. Some species in both groups can cause plant diseases.
II. Species from both groups can be used in making bread rise.
III. All species in both groups can be used as food.
IV. Ascomycota produce spores in a sac-like structure; Basidiomycota produce spores in a club-shaped structure.

Which of the statements are true?
II and III
III and IV
I and IV
II and IV

Answer 1

I and IV.

I is true — both phyla include plant pathogens (e.g., many Ascomycetes like powdery mildews and ergot; Basidiomycetes include rusts and smuts).
IV is true — Ascomycota form spores in sac-like asci; Basidiomycota form spores on club-shaped basidia.

II is false — common baking yeast (Saccharomyces) is an ascomycete; basidiomycete species are not used for standard bread leavening.
III is false — many species in both groups are inedible or toxic, so not all can be used as food.