Question

Flask-shaped ascocarp with an apical opening is:

• A. Perithecium
• B. Cleistothecium
• C. Apothecium
• D. Cystocarp

Hint:

Ascocarps can be categorized based on their structure:
- \textbf{Perithecium}: Flask-shaped with an apical opening.
- \textbf{Cleistothecium}: Completely closed structure.
- \textbf{Apothecium}: Open cup-shaped structure.
Remembering these structural differences helps in fungal classification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Ascocarps
Ascocarps are fruiting bodies of fungi belonging to the Ascomycota division. They enclose and protect ascospores during development. There are three primary types of ascocarps:

- Perithecium: A flask-shaped ascocarp with a small apical opening (ostiole) through which spores are released.
- Cleistothecium: A completely enclosed ascocarp with no opening.
- Apothecium: A cup or disk-shaped ascocarp that is open, allowing the spores to disperse easily.
- Cystocarp: A reproductive structure found in red algae, not an ascocarp of fungi.

Step 2: Identifying the Correct Answer Since the question describes an ascocarp that is flask-shaped with an apical opening, it matches the Perithecium.
Step 3: Verifying the Options - Option (1) Perithecium (Correct)
- Option (2) Cleistothecium (Incorrect – it has no opening)
- Option (3) Apothecium (Incorrect – it is cup/disc-shaped)
- Option (4) Cystocarp (Incorrect – it is not an ascocarp)
Thus, the correct answer is (1) Perithecium.