Sclerotia is a perennating and vegetatively reproducing body in which hyphae are :

Options

A. aggregated to form strands
B. loose and interwoven
C. compactly interwoven and they have lost their individuality
D. thick walled giving a rounded or irregular configuration

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Sclerotia**: Sclerotia are specialized structures formed by certain fungi, which serve as a means of vegetative reproduction and survival during unfavorable conditions. They are a type of resting body that allows the fungus to persist.

2. **Analyzing the Hyphal Structure**: The question focuses on the arrangement of hyphae within sclerotia. Hyphae are the filamentous structures that make up the mycelium of fungi.

3. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option A: Aggregated to form strands**: This suggests that the hyphae are grouped together but still retain some separation. This is incorrect as sclerotia involve tightly packed hyphae.
- **Option B: Loose and interwoven**: This implies that the hyphae are loosely arranged, which contradicts the nature of sclerotia. Thus, this option is also incorrect.
- **Option C: Compactly interwoven and lose their individuality**: This indicates that the hyphae are tightly packed together, losing their individual characteristics, which accurately describes the structure of sclerotia.
- **Option D: Thick wall giving a round or irregular configuration**: This option suggests a specific shape and wall structure that does not apply to sclerotia, as they do not have a consistent round or irregular shape.

4. **Conclusion**: After evaluating all the options, the correct answer is **Option C: compactly interwoven and they lose their individuality**. This reflects the true nature of the hyphal arrangement in sclerotia.