Question

Branched conidiophores are found in _________
A. Penicillium
B. Rhizopus
C. Ustilago
D. Saccharomyces

Answer 1

Hint: In certain fungi, there is a conidium which is an asexual, non-motile spore of fungus and the asexual reproduction is done by the formation of conidia which are born on stalks called conidiophores.

Complete answer:
If we look at options,
Option A is Penicillium. It is a genus of ascomycetous fungi and it is called blue mould that is commonly used in food, for example, it is added to cheese. Some of the members of this genus produce penicillin which is the antibiotic to kill or stop the growth of certain kinds of bacteria. There are branched conidiophores found in Penicillium and that is what has been asked in the question due to which this option is the correct one.
Option B is Rhizopus. It is a genus of saprophytic fungi on plants which lives on dead and decaying plant material. Also, they are found in many varieties of organic substances. The organic substances include mature fruits, jellies, syrups, leather, bread, peanuts, etc. Branched conidiophores are not found in Rhizopus due to which this option is incorrect and it gets eliminated.
Option C is Ustilago. It is a genus of around 200 smut fungi which are parasitic on grasses out of which few genera are eaten as traditional Mexican food in many parts of the country. Farmers spread the spores around in order to create more of the fungus. Branched conidiophores are not found in Rhizopus due to which this option is incorrect and it gets eliminated.
Option D is Saccharomyces. It is a genus of fungi which includes many species of yeast and many members are considered very important in food production, therefore, it is also known as the baker’s yeast. Branched conidiophores are not found in Rhizopus due to which this option is incorrect and it gets eliminated.

Thus, the correct answer is option A i.e., Penicillium.

Note: There are genus of fungi given in the options but from them, Rhizopus, Ustilago and Saccharomyces does not contain branched conidiophores and branched conidiophores are present in penicillium.