5 public questions tagged with this topic.
Deuteromycetes contain fungi whose sexual stages are unknown. When the sexual stage is discovered, the fungus is transferred to the appropriate class. The production of ascospores identifies it as an Ascomycete.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Fungi - Deuteromycetes and Economic Importance
Deuteromycetes contain fungi whose sexual stages are unknown. When the sexual stage is discovered, the fungus is moved to the appropriate class. The production of ascospores identifies its sexual form as an Ascomycete.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Fungi - Phycomycetes Ascomycetes Basidiomycetes
Ascomycetes produce sexual ascospores endogenously inside sac-like asci. Basidiomycetes produce basidiospores exogenously on basidia. Both groups generally possess branched, septate mycelium.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 2: Biological Classification Fungi - Phycomycetes Ascomycetes Basidiomycetes
Ascomycota produce sexual meiospores termed ascospores typically eight per ascus following meiosis plus one mitotic division inside sac. Ascospores form endogenously within sac-like ascus often arranged linearly or irregularly, wall contains melanin and hydrophobins resisting desiccation and UV. Upon maturation asci rupture or forcibly shoot spores via turgor pressure mechanism. Basidiospores exogenous on basidia externally, zygospores thick-walled diploid resting spores in mucorales, conidia asexual mitospores. Ascospore morphology - shape, septation, ornamentation - aids generic identification. Presence inside asci defines Ascomycota encompassing morels, truffles, yeasts, dermatophytes, many plant pathogens like powdery mildews.
Ref: Campbell Biology 12th ed., Chapter 31: Ascomycota Ascospores Inside Asci; NCERT Class 11 Ascomycetes Ascospores; NCBI Ascomycete Reproduction
Ascomycota called sac fungi produce sexual meiospores termed ascospores internally within sac-shaped meiosporangium called ascus where karyogamy and meiosis occur. Typically yields eight ascospores after additional mitotic division ensuring efficient dispersal. Asci grouped into ascocarps such as cleistothecia, perithecia. Zygomycota produce zygospores, Basidiomycota basidiospores externally on basidia, Chytridiomycota zoospores motile. Presence of asci with endogenous ascospores represents synapomorphy diagnostic for Ascomycota comprising yeasts, molds, morels, truffles encompassing largest fungal phylum with significant medically and industrially important members. Basidial morphology supports diverse basidiocarp architectures from simple crusts to elaborate mushrooms facilitating ecological niche specialization and spore liberation.
Ref: Campbell Biology 12th ed., Chapter 31: Ascomycota Ascus Ascospores; NCERT Class 11 Biology Ascomycetes; NCBI: Ascomycete Reproduction
