Question

The thalloid body of a slime mould (Myxomycetes) is known as -

• A. Protonema
• B. Plasmodium
• C. Fruiting body
• D. Mycelium

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Plasmodium

Answer 2

The members of Myxomycetes are called slim moulds because they contain and secrete slime. They are included in lower fungi. Their somatic phase is a multinucleate, diploid holocarpic plasmodium (a product of syngamy). In plasmodium, propagation occurs, through fission or thick walled cysts or sclerotium like structures. Reproduction takes place by the formation of uninucleate, thick walled resting spores which are produced within minute fruiting bodies like structures, ie, the sporangia, however, the true fruiting bodies are absent in slime moulds. Fruiting bodies and mycelium are absent in lower fungi. Protonema is not formed in fungi.