Question

Select the correct sequence of events with respect to the fungal sexual cycle.
A. Karyogamy, plasmogamy, and meiosis
B. Meiosis, plasmogamy, and karyogamy
C. Plasmogamy, karyogamy, and meiosis
D. Meiosis, karyogamy, and plasmogamy

Answer 1

Hint: Fungus is a eukaryotic organism which includes microorganisms like yeast and mould. Mushrooms are a common example of a fungus. The fungus organisms are placed in a separate kingdom called fungus because of the presence of chitin in their cell wall.

Complete answer: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms but are different from that of the plants and animals. The presence of chitin in their cell wall makes them different from the other eukaryotic organisms. The fungus is considered as heterotrophs, as they do not produce their own food and depend on other organisms for their food. Depending upon the type of species fungus reproduce by sexual or asexual means. The asexual reproduction in fungus occurs by vegetative spores called conidia or through mycelial fragmentation. Sexual reproduction in fungus takes place by meiosis. Series of events that occur in the fungal sexual cycle is plasmogamy, karyogamy, and meiosis. The cytoplasm of two cells fuses together without the fusion of nuclei in the process called plasmogamy. The fusion of nuclei occurs in karyogamy. The fusion of the nucleus leads to the formation of the diploid zygote. The process of meiosis occurs after karyogamy to ensure the haploid stage of fungi. Therefore, the correct sequence of events that occur in fungus during sexual reproduction is plasmogamy, karyogamy and meiosis.
So, option C is the correct answer.

Note: The life cycle of the fungus is of alternating types as it produces by both sexual and asexual method of reproduction. Except, Glomeromycota sexual reproduction is directly seen in all fungus. Depending on the environmental conditions different specialized structures are formed for asexual and sexual reproduction.