Q3 / 200 · NEET 2006 · Botany
Which of the following environmental conditions are essential for optimum growth of Mucor on a piece of bread?
(I) Temperature of about $25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$
(II) Temperature of about $5^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$
(III) Relative humidity of about $5 \%$
(IV) Relative humidity of about $95 \%$
(V) A shady place
(VI) A brightly illuminated place
Choose the answer from the following options.
- A(II), (III) and (VI) only
- B(I), (III) and (V) only
- Correct answerC(I), (IV) and (V) only
- D(II), (IV) and (V) only
Solution
Mucor is a saprophytic fungus. It grows on decaying dung and on some food stuffs. It shows the best growth on a piece of bread at about $25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ with relative humidity of about $95 \%$ in moist and shady places.
Related Theory
Mucor is a genus of mould. They are formed from thread-like hyphae that spread out from a visible mycelium. It causes mucormycosis. Most people develop this infection by breathing in mould spores. Less often, infection can develop when spores enter the body through a cut or open wound. It was much prevalent during second wave of COVID-19 (as black fungus) in 2021 in India.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.