Question

Which of the following groups are considered to contain true fungus-like protists
(a) Hypo Chytrids
(b) True slime molds
(c) Euglena
(d) Plasmodium

Answer 1

Hint: Saprophytic protists that contain a multinucleated mass of protoplasm which is surrounded by the plasma membrane whose body moves along the decaying twigs and leaves engulfing organic matter. They form into fruiting bodies under unfavorable conditions.

Complete answer:
Kingdom protists contain all unicellular eukaryotes but the boundaries of this kingdom are not well defined. Chrysophytes, dinoflagellates, euglenoids, slime molds, and protozoans are the five classes of the kingdom protista. Fungi-like protists absorb organic matter from the decaying matter which is divided into two types namely water molds and slime molds. slime molds contain a multinucleated mass of protoplasm which is surrounded by a plasma membrane. They are saprophytic protists. The body of slime molds moves along the decaying leaves and twigs engulfing organic matter. Plasmodium is an aggregation formed by them which grows and spreads over several feet.

Additional information:
- Kingdom protista forms a link with others dealing with plants, animals, and fungi. Being eukaryotic organisms, they have a well-defined nucleus and other cell organelles that are membrane-bound. Locomotive organs like cilia and flagella are seen and reproduction takes place asexually and sexually.
- The plasmodium formed by the slime molds, under unfavorable conditions they develop into fruiting bodies that bear spores at their tips.

So, the correct answer is ‘true slime molds’

Note:
-The spores present at the tip of fruiting bodies are dispersed by air currents and are regenerated during favorable conditions.
-Fungi-like protists mean the organisms in the kingdom protista that feed on the dead and decaying matter of leaves and twigs for the energy source.