Which fungi are commonly used in biochemical and genetic work ?

Options

A. Claviceps and puccinia
B. Neurospora and Saccharomyces
C. Aspergillus and Alternaria
D. Penicillium and Rhizopus

Answer

To determine which fungi are commonly used in biochemical and genetic work, we can analyze the options provided:

1. **Claviceps and Paxenia**: These fungi are primarily known for their roles in causing diseases in plants and are not typically used in biochemical or genetic work.

2. **Neurospora and Saccharomyces**:
- **Neurospora**: This fungus is widely used in genetic research, particularly in studies of genetics and biochemical pathways. It is a model organism in genetics due to its simple genetic structure and ease of manipulation.
- **Saccharomyces**: Commonly known as yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is extensively used in fermentation processes and is also a model organism in molecular and cellular biology. It is used in studies related to genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology.

3. **Aspergillus and Alternaria**: Aspergillus is known for its role in fermentation and the production of enzymes and organic acids, but it is not primarily used for genetic work. Alternaria is mainly known for its role as a plant pathogen.

4. **Penicillium and Rhizopus**: Penicillium is known for its role in antibiotic production (penicillin) but is not primarily used for genetic work. Rhizopus is a mold that is not typically used in biochemical or genetic studies.

From the analysis, the fungi that are commonly used in biochemical and genetic work are **Neurospora and Saccharomyces**.

### Final Answer:
**Neurospora and Saccharomyces** are the fungi commonly used in biochemical and genetic work.