Tag: mycorrhiza

Mucor mucedo reproduces asexually. When erect hyphal sporangiophores are formed. The tip of the sporangiophore swells to form a globose sporangium that contains uninucleate, haploid sporangiospores. 

In mucor during sexual reproduction, compatible strains form short, specialized hyphae called gametangia. At the point where two complementary gametangia fuse, a thick-walled, spherical zygosporangium develops. The zygosporangium typically contains a single zygospore.

Mucor is a microbial genus of molds commonly found in soil, digestive systems, plant surfaces etc. During sexual reproduction, compatible strains form short, specialized hyphae called gametangia. At the point where two gametangia fuse, a thick-walled, spherical zygosporangium develops. The zygosporangium typically contains a single zygospore.

Ergotism is caused by Claviceps in cereal grains (rye) and is the oldest known mycotoxin. Mold in the feed replaces grain with a hard black mass called an ergot. Ergotism killed thousands in the middle ages  and it produces alkaloids. Toxins affect the nervous, vascular (vasoconstriction and resultant gangrene), and endocrine systems. Clinical signs include decreased food intake and growth; necrosis of beak, comb, and toes; distorted feather development; and enteritis. Ergotism primarily affects leghorns and other laying breeds and only trace amounts remain in the meat.

Mucor is a saprotrophic fungus. The cell wall of the fungus contains considerable amounts of chitosan. Chitosan is a linear polysaccharide composed of randomly distributed β-(1→4)linked D glucosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine. It has commercial application in agriculture, biopesticide, and winemaking. Thus the correct answer is option C.

Mucor belongs to the class zygomycetes. The members of zygomycetes bear non-motile non-flagellated gametes.

Sexual reproduction takes place during the unfavourable condition by means of gametangial copulation. The gametangia look alike and by conjugation, they give rise to zygospore.