Which feature distinguishes pseudohyphae from true hyphae?

Which feature distinguishes pseudohyphae from true hyphae?

• A. They lack constrictions and are identical to true hyphae
• B. They have regular constrictions and may bud to form blastospores
• C. They are always larger in diameter than true hyphae
• D. They are obligate parasites

Answer: (B)

Distinguishing pseudohyphae from true hyphae hinges on how the cells are arranged and how budding occurs. Pseudohyphae form as budding yeast cells remain attached after division, creating regular constrictions at the junctions between cells. They often continue to bud along the filament, producing blastospores. True hyphae are long, filamentous structures with smooth septa and do not show those regular constrictions produced by budding. This combination of regular septal constrictions and ongoing budding to form blastospores is the defining feature of pseudohyphae. The other statements don’t fit because pseudohyphae are not identical to true hyphae, their diameter isn’t a fixed distinguishing trait, and they are not restricted to obligate parasitism.

Distinguishing pseudohyphae from true hyphae hinges on how the cells are arranged and how budding occurs. Pseudohyphae form as budding yeast cells remain attached after division, creating regular constrictions at the junctions between cells. They often continue to bud along the filament, producing blastospores. True hyphae are long, filamentous structures with smooth septa and do not show those regular constrictions produced by budding. This combination of regular septal constrictions and ongoing budding to form blastospores is the defining feature of pseudohyphae. The other statements don’t fit because pseudohyphae are not identical to true hyphae, their diameter isn’t a fixed distinguishing trait, and they are not restricted to obligate parasitism.