Which of the following combination of characters is true for slime moulds ?

Options

A. Parasitic, plasmodium with true walls, spores dispersed by air currents
B. Saprophytic, plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by water
C. Parasitic, plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by water
D. Saprophytic, plasmodium without walls, spores dispersed by air currents

Answer

To determine the correct combination of characters true for slime molds, let’s analyze the characteristics step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Slime Molds**:
- Slime molds are a group of eukaryotic organisms that are neither fungi nor plants. They are unique in their life cycle and characteristics.

2. **Nutritional Mode**:
- Slime molds are **saprophytic**, meaning they obtain their nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter. This is a crucial aspect of their biology.

3. **Plasmodium Formation**:
- During their life cycle, slime molds can exist in a form called **plasmodium**. This is a large, multinucleate cell that is formed by the fusion of individual cells.

4. **Cell Structure**:
- The plasmodium of slime molds does not have rigid cell walls like those found in plants. Instead, it has a more flexible structure, allowing it to move and engulf food.

5. **Reproductive Structures**:
- Slime molds reproduce by forming **spores**. These spores are often released into the environment, particularly in moist conditions, and can be dispersed by water or air.

6. **Habitat**:
- Slime molds thrive in damp environments where they can find decaying organic matter, which they use as a food source.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the characteristics discussed, the correct combination of characters for slime molds would be: **saprophytic, forming plasmodium without rigid walls, and reproducing via spores that are dispersed in water**.

### Final Answer:
The correct combination of characters true for slime molds is: **saprophytic, plasmodium-forming without rigid walls, and spores dispersed in water**.

---