Which of the following statements is false? A. All viruses are parasites B. All protozoa are unicellular C. All fungi are multicellular D. All bacteria lack nuclear membranes
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. All fungi are multicellular.
Explanation:
Let’s break down each option:
A. All viruses are parasites
This statement is true. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they can only replicate within the cells of a host organism. They cannot carry out metabolic processes on their own and depend entirely on the host’s cellular machinery to reproduce.
B. All protozoa are unicellular
This statement is also true. Protozoa are a group of single-celled organisms classified under the kingdom Protista. They exhibit a variety of behaviors and can be free-living or parasitic, but all are unicellular.
C. All fungi are multicellular
This statement is false. While many fungi, like mushrooms, are multicellular, others, such as yeast, are unicellular. Fungi belong to a diverse group of organisms, and their structure can vary significantly. Some fungi grow as multicellular filaments (hyphae), while others are unicellular, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker’s yeast.
D. All bacteria lack nuclear membranes
This statement is true. Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, which means they do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is contained in a nucleoid, an area in the cell where DNA is located. This is one of the key features distinguishing prokaryotes (like bacteria) from eukaryotes (which do have a membrane-bound nucleus).
Conclusion:
The statement “All fungi are multicellular” is false because some fungi, such as yeast, are unicellular.