Q.51 Who discovered the heterothallism in fungi?
1. AF Blakeslee
2. Alexander Flemming
3. MP Iyenger
4. Alexopoulos and Mims
Who Discovered Heterothallism in Fungi? Correct Answer Revealed
Heterothallism refers to a reproductive strategy in fungi requiring two compatible mating types for sexual reproduction, promoting genetic diversity. The correct answer to the question “Who discovered the heterothallism in fungi?” is 1. A.F. Blakeslee.
Correct Answer: A.F. Blakeslee
A.F. Blakeslee, an American geneticist, first identified heterothallism in 1904 while studying Mucorales species like Mucor hiemalis. He observed that zygospores formed only when mycelia from two different strains (+ and – mating types) interacted, coining the terms homothallism and heterothallism.
This discovery highlighted the need for intermycelial contact in heterothallic fungi, influencing mycology and genetics research.
Option Analysis
| Option | Scientist | Explanation | Correct? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. A.F. Blakeslee | A.F. Blakeslee | Discovered heterothallism in Mucorales fungi in 1904 through experiments showing zygospore formation requires opposite mating types. | Yes |
| 2. Alexander Flemming | Alexander Fleming | Scottish bacteriologist famous for discovering penicillin in 1928; no contributions to fungal reproduction or heterothallism studies. | No |
| 3. MP Iyenger | M.P. Iyengar | Indian phycologist known for algal research, not fungal heterothallism; focused on Indian freshwater algae. | No |
| 4. Alexopoulos and Mims | C.J. Alexopoulos & C.W. Mims | Authors of a modern mycology textbook (Introductory Mycology, 1979); described heterothallism but did not discover it. | No |
Significance in Fungi Biology
Heterothallism ensures outcrossing, unlike homothallism where a single strain self-fertilizes. Blakeslee’s work on Mucor species laid the foundation for understanding mating types across fungi, including yeasts and ascomycetes.
This concept is key for exams in microbiology, mycology, and genetics, explaining fungal life cycles and diversity.
