Which of the following is FALSE regarding the phylum Ascomycota?

• A. Some Ascomycota species are important in the production of antibiotics such as penicillin.
• B. Members of Ascomycota produce sexual spores called ascospores within sac-like structures known as asci.
• C. Ascomycota includes both unicellular yeasts and multicellular molds.
• D. All members of Ascomycota lack a cell wall composed of chitin.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the characteristics of the phylum Ascomycota. Ascomycota, also known as sac fungi, are defined by producing sexual spores called ascospores inside sac-like structures called asci.
2. Step 2: Recognize that Ascomycota includes a diverse group of fungi, ranging from unicellular yeasts to multicellular molds, which is a true statement.
3. Step 3: Know that some species within Ascomycota are important in biotechnology and medicine, such as Penicillium species that produce the antibiotic penicillin.
4. Step 4: Recall the composition of fungal cell walls. Most fungi, including Ascomycota, have cell walls primarily made of chitin, a strong polysaccharide that provides structural support.
5. Step 5: Identify the false statement by comparing it to known facts: the claim that all members of Ascomycota lack a cell wall composed of chitin contradicts the fundamental characteristic of fungal cell walls, making it false.