Question

Synchytrium is __________ fungi.

• A. Holocarpic and polycentric
• B. Holocarpic and endobiotic
• C. Eucarpic and polycentric
• D. Eucarpic and monocentric

Hint:

For primitive fungi like Chytrids, remember the 'holo-' and 'eu-' prefixes. \textbf{Holo} means 'whole' or 'entire,' so Holocarpic means the whole thallus reproduces. \textbf{Eu} means 'true,' so Eucarpic means it has true separate parts for vegetation and reproduction. {Synchytrium} is a classic example of a holocarpic fungus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the description of the thallus (body) of the fungus {Synchytrium}, a genus of Chytridiomycota. The terms describe the fungus's life strategy and structure.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's define the terms:

Holocarpic vs. Eucarpic:

Holocarpic: The entire thallus is converted into a reproductive structure (e.g., a sporangium or gametangium). There are no separate vegetative parts.
Eucarpic: The thallus is differentiated into distinct vegetative (e.g., rhizoids, mycelium) and reproductive parts.

Monocentric vs. Polycentric:

Monocentric: The thallus produces only a single center of growth and reproduction.
Polycentric: The thallus has multiple centers of growth and reproduction connected by a rhizomycelium.

Endobiotic: The fungus lives entirely inside the host's cells or tissues.
{Synchytrium} (e.g., {S. endobioticum}, which causes potato wart disease) is a primitive fungus. Its life cycle involves a motile zoospore that infects a host cell. Inside the host cell, the entire thallus develops into a reproductive structure (a sporangium or a resting spore) without forming any separate vegetative structures. This makes it holocarpic. Because it lives entirely within the host cell, it is also endobiotic.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The thallus of {Synchytrium} is correctly described as holocarpic (the whole thallus becomes a reproductive structure) and endobiotic (it lives inside the host).