[Campbell Biology P.705] Which of the following statements accurately describes the structur... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the structural differences between septate and coenocytic hyphae?

  • A: Septate hyphae have continuous cytoplasm due to the absence of cross-walls, while coenocytic hyphae have distinct cell compartments.
  • B: Coenocytic hyphae lack septa, allowing for a continuous cytoplasmic mass with hundreds or thousands of nuclei, while septate hyphae have cross-walls (septa) with pores that permit organelle flow.
  • C: Only septate hyphae are strengthened by chitin, providing structural rigidity.
  • D: Septate hyphae are characterized by rapid cytoplasmic streaming, while coenocytic hyphae exhibit limited internal transport.

Explanation

The text states that 'Another important structural feature of most fungi is that their hyphae are divided into cells by cross-walls, or septa singular, septum Figure 31.3a . Septa generally have pores large enough to allow ribosomes, mitochondria, and even nuclei to flow from cell to cell. Some fungi lack septa Figure 31.3b . Known as coenocytic fungi, these organisms consist of a continuous cytoplasmic mass having hundreds or thousands of nuclei. The coenocytic condition results from the repeated division of nuclei without cytokinesis.' This directly supports option B.