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Question #46981
The Question
Evolutionary pressure in certain obligate parasitic fungi can lead to the secondary loss of their chitinous cell wall during the vegetative phase, creating structural convergence with Mycoplasma. Which of the following statements regarding this convergence and their taxonomic classification is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Both the wall-less fungal parasite and Mycoplasma would exhibit pleomorphism and natural resistance to penicillin.
- B.
The absence of a cell wall in both organisms represents a homologous trait inherited from a common wall-less ancestor.
- C.
Despite the vegetative wall reduction, the fungal parasite is distinguished from Mycoplasma by the presence of 80S ribosomes and a nuclear envelope.
- D.
While Mycoplasma completely lacks a cell wall throughout its life cycle, the fungal parasite may still synthesize a chitinous wall during its reproductive spore stage.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Fungal Wall Chemistry|Widal Test Specificity|Human Health and Disease
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse structural similarity (absence of a cell wall) with phylogenetic relatedness (homology).
The trap relies on failing to distinguish between an absolute absence in Monera (Mycoplasma) and a secondary ecological adaptation (loss of wall) in Eukaryotes (Fungi), which is a classic case of convergent evolution (analogy).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Fungal Wall Chemistry |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |