Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease of the lungs caused by the soil-based fungus *Histoplasma capsulatum* - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 11
Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease of the lungs caused by the soil-based fungus *Histoplasma capsulatum*. The H. capsulatum fungus is most likely to be
A. kille... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease of the lungs caused by the soil-based fungus *Histoplasma capsulatum* - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 11 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. killed by antibiotics.
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Answer
The H. capsulatum fungus is a type of fungus, and fungi are generally not affected by antibiotics, which target bacterial infections.
Step 2
B. a prokaryotic organism.
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The organism is a eukaryote, as fungi like Histoplasma capsulatum contain a defined nucleus and organelles.
Step 3
C. only able to grow in a dry, cool environment.
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This statement is incorrect as Histoplasma capsulatum thrives in warm, moist environments, particularly in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings.
Step 4
D. made of thread-like filaments known as hyphae.
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Answer
This statement is correct. Fungi, including Histoplasma capsulatum, are composed of hyphae, which are filamentous structures that form the mycelium of the fungus.
