Q20. Athlete’s foot is a disease caused by which organism group?
[West Bengal Police SI | 2019 | PYQ]
- Fungi
- Protozoa
- Bacteria
- Nematodes
Answer: (A) Fungi
Explanation: Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection involving the skin of the feet. Warm, damp shoes and communal wet floors encourage transmission or persistence. Dermatophytes digest keratin and often produce peeling, itching and fissuring between toes.
Q19. Which is a plant disease caused by fungi?
[NVS Lab Attendant | 2018 | PYQ]
- Citrus canker
- Yellow vein mosaic
- Rust of wheat
- Aster yellows
Answer: (C) Rust of wheat
Explanation: Rust of wheat is fungal and is linked to Puccinia species. Citrus canker is bacterial, yellow vein mosaic is viral and aster yellows is associated with phytoplasmas. Differentiating microbial causes is essential for selecting suitable crop-protection measures.
Q18. Tikka disease of groundnut is primarily caused by which fungal genus?
[UP LT Grade Teacher (Biology) | 2018 | PYQ]
- Fusarium
- Colletotrichum
- Alternaria
- Cercospora
Answer: (D) Cercospora
Explanation: Tikka disease refers to leaf spots of groundnut. The early leaf spot agent is Cercospora arachidicola; the late leaf spot fungus is now often called Nothopassalora personata. Spots may reduce green leaf area and crop yield.
Q17. Which of these fungal genera includes species that can cause human disease?
[MP Police Sub-Inspector | 2017 | PYQ]
- Rhizopus only in bread-making
- Puccinia, the wheat rust fungus
- Aspergillus
- Agaricus, the edible mushroom
Answer: (C) Aspergillus
Explanation: Aspergillus includes species responsible for allergic disease, aspergilloma and invasive aspergillosis. Infection risk is particularly high in people with substantial immune suppression or pre-existing lung cavities. Many Aspergillus species are environmentally widespread moulds.
Q16. Which statement about fungi is incorrect?
[NEET Phase 2 | 2016 | PYQ]
- They may be unicellular or multicellular
- They are eukaryotic
- Every fungus has a purely cellulosic cell wall
- They are heterotrophic
Answer: (C) Every fungus has a purely cellulosic cell wall
Explanation: Fungal cell walls characteristically contain chitin and glucans, not universally pure cellulose. Fungi are eukaryotic and derive nutrients from organic sources. Both single-celled yeasts and multicellular filamentous moulds belong to the fungal kingdom.
Q15. Who explained the annual recurrence of wheat-rust infections in the Indian plains?
[UP TGT Biology | 2016 | PYQ]
- B. B. Mundkur
- K. C. Mehta
- R. S. Singh
- E. J. Butler
Answer: (B) K. C. Mehta
Explanation: Plant pathologist K. C. Mehta investigated the seasonal recurrence of wheat rusts in India. His work highlighted the movement of inoculum from cooler regions into the plains. Understanding rust epidemiology supports forecasting and protection of wheat crops.
Q14. Which organism causes red rot disease of sugarcane?
[NBE Junior Assistant | 2015 | PYQ]
- Phytophthora infestans
- Alternaria alternata
- Colletotrichum falcatum
- Cercospora personata
Answer: (C) Colletotrichum falcatum
Explanation: Red rot of sugarcane is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum falcatum. Infected stalks may show reddish internal tissues with pale patches and develop a sour smell. Clean planting material, resistant cultivars and field sanitation help limit its spread.
Q13. Lichens that colonise bare rock during ecological succession are symbiotic associations of which organisms?
[UPSC CSE Prelims | 2014 | PYQ]
- Algae and bacteria
- Algae and fungi
- Bacteria and fungi
- Fungi and mosses
Answer: (B) Algae and fungi
Explanation: Most lichens consist of a fungal partner and a photosynthetic partner, usually an alga or cyanobacterium. Their ability to colonise exposed rock contributes to primary succession. Although usually beneficial, this association illustrates fungal ecology rather than a disease.
Q12. Which fungal infection primarily produces white, curd-like patches inside the mouth?
[UPSC CDS | 2013 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Oral candidiasis
- Malaria
- Diphtheria
- Measles
Answer: (A) Oral candidiasis
Explanation: Oral candidiasis, also called thrush, commonly involves overgrowth of Candida yeasts on oral mucosa. White plaques may appear on the tongue or cheeks. Recent antibiotics, dentures and weakened immunity can increase susceptibility to infection.
Q11. Tinea capitis is a dermatophyte infection of which body region?
[RRB NTPC | 2012 | Exam-style practice, not verified PYQ]
- Scalp
- Intestine
- Liver
- Kidney
Answer: (A) Scalp
Explanation: Tinea capitis is a fungal infection of scalp hair and surrounding skin, common in children. Dermatophytes such as Trichophyton and Microsporum may cause scaling, broken hairs or patchy hair loss. Treatment typically requires an oral antifungal prescribed by a clinician.
