Question

(a) Evaluate the key adaptive morphological and reproductive features of Ascomycota, Glomeromycota, Cholorophyta, and Protozoa for their survival in the environment and (b) explain the potential benefits and harm of these microbes to man.

Answer 1

Ascomycota - Like all fungi, Ascomycota can undergo both asexual and sexual reproduction.The unifying characteristic among these diverse groups is the presence of a reproductive structure known as the ascus, though in some cases it has a reduced role in the life cycle. As a group, they are economically important. Many are tree diseases, such as dutch elm disease and apple blights. The yeasts are used to produce alcoholic beverages and breads. The mold Penacillium is used to produce the anit-biotic penicillin.

Glomeromycota -

Kingdom:	Fungi
Division:	Glomeromycota
Subdivision:	Glomeromycotina
Class:	Glomeromycetes

The Glomeromycota have generally coenocytic (occasionally sparsely septate) mycelia and reproduce asexually through blastic development of the hyphal tip to produce spores.

Chlorophyta - Green colour from chlorophyll a and b in the same proportions as the 'higher' plants; beta-carotene (a yellow pigment); and various characteristic xanthophylls (yellowish or brownish pigments). Food reserves are starch, some fats or oils like higher plants.

Sexual reproduction is very common and may be isogamous (gametes both motile and same size); anisogamous (both motile and different sizes - female bigger) or oogamous (female non-motile and egg-like; male motile). Many green algae have an alternation of haploid and diploid phases.

Humans use green algae as food, too. and it has long been part of the cuisine of Japan. There are more than 30 species of edible seaweed, which is naturally rich in minerals such as calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, vanadium, and zinc. Edible types of green algae include sea lettuce, sea palm, and sea grapes.

Protozoa - The basic body organization of protozoans consists of an external plasma membrane which encloses the cytoplasm and nucleus. There may be one or more nuclei, and in some taxa the nuclei are of two types: larger macronuclei and smaller micronuclei.

Protozoa reproduce by both asexual and sexual means, though sexual reproduction is less common and occurs in certain groups. Most protozoa reproduce asexually by cell division producing two equal or sometimes unequal cells. ... In some protozoa multiple fission or schizogamy is known to occur.

Some protozoans are harmful to man because they can cause serious diseases. Others are helpful because they eat harmful bacteria and are food for fish and other animals.