Which group of fungi is known as imperfect fungi, lacks a sexual reproductive phase, and includes Penicillium notatum as an example?

• A. Ascomycota
• B. Zygomycota
• C. Basidiomycota
• D. Deuteromycota

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that fungi are classified into groups based on their reproductive methods, especially the presence or absence of sexual reproduction.
2. Recognize that the group called 'imperfect fungi' refers to fungi that do not have a known sexual reproductive stage in their life cycle.
3. Recall that Deuteromycota is the group traditionally used to classify these imperfect fungi, which reproduce only asexually.
4. Identify that Penicillium notatum is a classic example of a fungus in the Deuteromycota group, known for its asexual reproduction and antibiotic production.
5. Note that other groups like Ascomycota, Zygomycota, and Basidiomycota have well-defined sexual reproductive phases, distinguishing them from Deuteromycota.