Question

Common mode of reproduction in Penicillium is:
A. Conidia
B. Gemmule formation
C. Buds
D. Zoospores

Answer 1

Hint: Asexual reproduction is the mode of reproduction where a single parent gives rise to young ones. They make exact copies of themselves and are termed as clones. Clones are genetically and morphologically similar organisms. In simple organisms like protists and monerans, simple cell division is the mode of reproduction. Single celled organisms like Amoeba and Paramecium reproduce through binary fission. Some members of Fungi and simple plants reproduce asexually by the means of minute motile structures called zoospores. Other asexually reproducing structures include conidia, buds and gemmule formation.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Penicillium commonly reproduce asexually through non-motile gametes called conidia. Number of flask shaped cells at the end of each stalk develop and form conidia. The development of conidia takes place in conidiophore. It can be yellow, blue or green in colour.
Porifera or Sponge reproduce asexually through gemmule formation.
Hydra reproduce through bud formation. A bud originates from the parent body and detaches itself after the full development.
Zoospores are the microscopic motile structures. Algae (Chlamydomonas) reproduce asexually through zoospores.
Hence option A is correct: Conidia

Note: Conidia can be oval or elliptical in shape. At maturation, conidia are detached from the parent body and get dispersed by wind. On finding a suitable substratum, they get detached to it and then germinate. The nucleus divides mitotically multiple times and enters the germ tube. Elongation and formation of septa gives rise to mature and branched mycelium.