NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Asexual reproduction in Penicillium occurs by the formation of asexual spores. These spores are motile or immotile. These spores are known as conidiophores. Conidiophores are produced from the mycelium and are in a branched fashion.

Detailed explanation-2: -Conidiophores are hyaline, smooth or rough-walled. Phialides are usually flask-shaped, consisting of a cylindrical basal part and a distinct neck, or lanceolate (with a narrow basal part tapering to a somewhat pointed apex).

Detailed explanation-3: -The conidia are ovoid or pear shaped, two celled, with the apical cell being larger and globose than the basal cell which is curved and conical. The conidia are hyaline or lightly coloured pink or pale, appear hyaline under a microscope, but pink in masses in culture or on the host.

Detailed explanation-4: -Penicillium is a genus under phylum Ascomycota or Ascomycetes. They are classified by the production of ascospores during sexual reproduction. Penicillium means “painter’s brush”. They are named so, due to the presence of chains of conidia (produced asexually) appearing as a brush terminally on mycelia.