Question

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

flagellated spores

spores produced in the ascus

lack reproduction phase

important in the food industry

important in the digestion of animals

can cause disease in plants

can cause disease in animals

Answer 1

Correct choices:

- flagellated spores — Yes. Chytrids produce motile zoospores with a single posterior flagellum.
- important in the digestion of animals — Yes. Some chytrid-like gut fungi (e.g., in herbivore rumens) help break down plant material.
- can cause disease in plants — Yes. Certain chytrids (e.g., Synchytrium) are plant pathogens.
- can cause disease in animals — Yes. Batrachochytrium species cause chytridiomycosis in amphibians.

Not correct:

- spores produced in the ascus — No; asci are characteristic of Ascomycota.
- lack reproduction phase — No; chytrids have sexual and asexual reproductive stages.
- important in the food industry — No; chytrids are not major ingredients/agents in food production.