"Naked fungi" (Slime moulds) are naked :-

Options

A. When they are reproducing
B. When they are not reproducing
C. Always naked
D. Never naked

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Slime Moulds**: Slime moulds are classified under myxomycetes and exhibit different morphological stages throughout their life cycle. They can exist in two main forms: cellular slime moulds and acellular slime moulds.

2. **Identifying the Vegetative Stage**: In the vegetative stage, cellular slime moulds exist as haploid amoeboid cells, while acellular slime moulds exist as a multinucleate diploid amoeboid mass known as plasmodium.

3. **Defining 'Naked'**: The term "naked" in this context refers to the absence of a cell wall. In slime moulds, the plasmodium is described as a wall-less mass of multinucleate protoplast, which is why they are referred to as "naked fungi."

4. **Reproductive Phase**: During reproduction, slime moulds form sporangia on fruiting bodies, which carry haploid spores. This phase involves the cytoplasmic division of the multinucleated protoplasm to form uninucleate segments, each surrounded by a cell wall.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, slime moulds are considered "naked" when they are not reproducing, as they lack a cell wall during their vegetative phase. In contrast, during reproduction, they develop a cell wall around the spores, making them not "naked."

6. **Final Answer**: The correct option is that slime moulds are "naked" when they are **not reproducing**.