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Multiple Choice
Fungi that consist of a continuous mass containing hundreds or thousands of nuclei are known as _____.
A
septate
B
dikaryotic
C
imperfect fungi
D
chytrids
E
coenocytic
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'coenocytic': In biology, 'coenocytic' refers to a type of fungal structure where the hyphae do not have septa, meaning they are not divided into separate cells. Instead, they form a continuous mass with multiple nuclei.
Compare with 'septate': Septate fungi have hyphae divided by cross-walls called septa, which separate the cells. This is different from coenocytic fungi, which lack these divisions.
Consider 'dikaryotic': Dikaryotic refers to a stage in the fungal life cycle where two nuclei coexist in a single cell, but it does not describe the structure of the hyphae as coenocytic does.
Evaluate 'imperfect fungi': Imperfect fungi, or Deuteromycota, are fungi that do not have a known sexual reproduction stage. This term does not describe the structural characteristic of having a continuous mass of nuclei.
Review 'chytrids': Chytrids are a group of fungi that are primarily aquatic and have flagellated spores. They are not characterized by having a continuous mass of nuclei like coenocytic fungi.