Which of the following is true about yeasts?
A. They are a microscopic fungus B. They are unicellular C. They are eukaryotic D. All of the above are true
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. All of the above are true.
Yeasts are indeed microscopic fungi, and they share several key characteristics that distinguish them from other types of organisms. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
- Yeasts are a microscopic fungus (A): Yeasts belong to the kingdom Fungi. Unlike larger fungi like mushrooms, which are multicellular, yeasts are generally microscopic. They can be observed only under a microscope. Yeasts play vital roles in ecosystems, such as decomposing organic material and contributing to fermentation processes.
- Yeasts are unicellular (B): Yeasts are unicellular organisms, meaning they consist of a single cell. This is in contrast to other fungi like molds, which are multicellular. The unicellular nature of yeast allows them to divide and reproduce rapidly. This trait is crucial for their role in various industrial applications, such as brewing and baking.
- Yeasts are eukaryotic (C): Yeasts are eukaryotic organisms, meaning their cells have a defined nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. This distinguishes them from prokaryotic organisms like bacteria, which do not have these structures. The eukaryotic nature of yeasts allows for more complex processes, such as sexual and asexual reproduction.
Given that all these statements are accurate, the correct answer is D. Yeasts are microscopic, unicellular, and eukaryotic, making them an important group of organisms in both nature and industry.