Question

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

lack reproduction phase

spores produced in basidia

spores produced in zygosporangia

important in the food industry

important in the fermentation process

can cause disease to plants

can cause disease to animals

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- spores produced in zygosporangia — yes. Zygomycetes form zygospores in a zygosporangium during sexual reproduction.
- important in the food industry — yes. Some zygomycetes (e.g., Rhizopus spp.) are used in food production (and others cause food spoilage).
- important in the fermentation process — yes. Species such as Rhizopus oligosporus are used in fermentations (e.g., tempeh).
- can cause disease to plants — yes. Several zygomycetes (e.g., Rhizopus) cause rot and other plant diseases.
- can cause disease to animals — yes. Zygomycetes can cause mucormycosis/zygomycosis in animals and humans (especially immunocompromised).

Incorrect choices:
- lack reproduction phase — no. Zygomycetes have both sexual (zygospores) and asexual (sporangiospores) reproductive stages.
- spores produced in basidia — no. Basidia are characteristic of Basidiomycota, not Zygomycota.