Before You Begin
Question #46988
The Question
A researcher treats cultures of Mucor and Aspergillus with a chitin synthesis inhibitor and subsequently exposes them to hypotonic osmotic stress. It is observed that Mucor undergoes rapid, systemic cytolysis and dies completely, whereas Aspergillus only suffers localized apical damage and the majority of its mycelium survives. Which of the following best explains this differential susceptibility based on NCERT principles?
Options
- A.
Mucor has an aseptate, coenocytic mycelium, preventing the isolation of ruptured segments and leading to continuous protoplasmic leakage.
- B.
Aspergillus possesses an aseptate mycelium that effectively dissipates osmotic pressure, whereas Mucor is septate and bursts locally.
- C.
The cell wall of Mucor is primarily composed of peptidoglycan, which undergoes rapid depolymerization in the presence of the inhibitor.
- D.
Mucor exhibits a prolonged dikaryophase, and the presence of paired nuclei creates a hyperosmotic intracellular environment prone to lysis.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Zygospore|Ploidy_Reduction|Meiosis
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often rote-memorize the morphological differences between fungal classes (Phycomycetes = aseptate/coenocytic; Ascomycetes = septate) without understanding their physiological implications.
This question tests the functional significance of septa in compartmentalizing cellular damage and preventing systemic protoplasmic loss during osmotic stress.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biological Classification - Class 11 |
| Concept | Fungal Sexual Lifecycle Stages |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |