Name an organism which reproduces by spore formation. List three conditions favourable for spores to germinate and grow.
Name an organism which reproduces by spore formation. List three conditions favourable for spores to germinate and grow.
Official answer
An organism that reproduces by spore formation is Rhizopus (commonly known as bread mould).
Three conditions favourable for spores to germinate and grow are:
- Moisture: The presence of water or a moist surface is essential for the spores to germinate.
- Nutrients (Food Source): A suitable organic substrate (like a slice of bread) must be available to provide nutrients.
- Suitable Temperature and Darkness: A cool, dark, and warm/temperate environment promotes rapid growth and development of the hyphae.
Marking scheme
- 1.Naming the organism (Rhizopus / Bread mould): 0.5 Mark
- 2.Listing three favourable conditions (Moisture, Nutrients/Food, Suitable temperature/Darkness): 1.5 Marks (0.5 mark for each condition)
Hint
Think of the bread mould experiment (Activity 7.2) where a wet slice of bread is kept in a cool, moist, and dark place.
Quick oral answer
Rhizopus reproduces by spore formation. The spores require moisture, nutrients, and a suitable temperature to germinate.
Common mistakes
- 1.Writing yeast instead of Rhizopus for spore formation (yeast reproduces by budding).
- 2.Forgetting that moisture is absolutely critical for spore germination.
Analysis and explanation
Spore formation is an asexual mode of reproduction. In Rhizopus, the reproductive structures are tiny blob-on-a-stick structures called sporangia. These sporangia contain spores. The spores are covered by thick walls that protect them from unfavorable environmental conditions. When they land on a moist, nutrient-rich surface under suitable temperature conditions, the protective wall breaks, and they germinate to form new hyphae.
Interesting facts
Spores of Rhizopus can remain dormant for very long periods because of their thick protective walls, allowing them to survive extreme dryness and heat.
Question details
Q7 of 41 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2012
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 2
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- How do Organisms Reproduce?
- Topic
- Spore Formation
- Bloom's level
- Remembering
- Syllabus topic
- Asexual reproduction: Spore formation
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2012?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Spore Formation" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper.