Deuteromycetes are called "fungi imperfecti" as they have

Options

A. Aseptate mycelium
B. Autotrophic nutrition
C. Only asexual stages
D. Zygote does not undergo cleavage.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Deuteromycetes**: Deuteromycetes, also known as "fungi imperfecti," are a group of fungi that do not have a known sexual reproductive stage. This means that their life cycle does not include the formation of sexual spores.

2. **Reproductive Modes in Fungi**: Fungi can reproduce either asexually or sexually. Asexual reproduction can occur through various methods such as fragmentation or the production of asexual spores. Sexual reproduction involves the formation of sexual spores.

3. **Classification of Fungi**: Fungi are classified into different groups based on their reproductive structures:
- **Phycomycetes**: These fungi can reproduce sexually and asexually.
- **Ascomycetes**: These fungi also reproduce both sexually and asexually.
- **Basidiomycetes**: These fungi primarily reproduce sexually and do not produce asexual spores.
- **Deuteromycetes**: This group is unique because it lacks a known sexual reproductive stage.

4. **Characteristics of Deuteromycetes**: The defining characteristic of Deuteromycetes is that they only exhibit asexual reproduction. They do not have identifiable sexual reproductive structures, which is why they are referred to as "imperfect fungi."

5. **Examples of Deuteromycetes**: Common examples include Alternaria and Colletotrichum, which are known to be parasitic fungi.

6. **Conclusion**: The term "fungi imperfecti" reflects the fact that Deuteromycetes do not have a complete life cycle that includes sexual reproduction. Instead, they are characterized by the presence of only asexual stages, which is the correct answer to the question.

**Final Answer**: Deuteromycetes are called "fungi imperfecti" because they have only asexual stages of reproduction.

---