Which of the following classes of kingdom Fungi are characterised by the presence of coenocytic, multinucleate and branched mycelium?

Options

A. Basidiomycetes
B. Phycomycetes
C. Ascomycetes
D. Deuteromycetes

Explanation

To answer the question regarding which class of the kingdom Fungi is characterized by coenocytic, multinucleate, and branched mycelium, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Terms**:
- Coenocytic mycelium refers to a type of fungal mycelium that is not divided into individual cells by septa (cross-walls). Instead, it consists of a continuous mass of cytoplasm with multiple nuclei.
- Multinucleate means that there are multiple nuclei present within a single cell or structure.
- Branched mycelium indicates that the mycelial structure has multiple branching filaments.

2. **Identify the Classes of Fungi**:
- The options provided are:
- Basidiomycetes
- Phycomycetes
- Ascomycetes
- Deuteromycetes

3. **Analyze Each Class**:
- **Basidiomycetes**: Typically have septate hyphae and are known for producing fruiting bodies like mushrooms.
- **Ascomycetes**: Also have septate hyphae and are known for producing ascospores in sac-like structures.
- **Deuteromycetes**: Known as imperfect fungi, they do not have a known sexual reproduction stage and usually have septate hyphae.
- **Phycomycetes**: Characterized by coenocytic (aseptate), multinucleate, and branched mycelium. They are often found in aquatic environments and can be saprophytic or parasitic.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the characteristics described, the class of fungi that is characterized by coenocytic, multinucleate, and branched mycelium is **Phycomycetes**.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **Phycomycetes**.

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