Which term describes hyphae that lack crosswalls?

• A. Aseptate hyphae
• B. Septate hyphae
• C. Pseudohyphae
• D. True hyphae

Answer: (A)

Hyphae can be septate, with crosswalls that divide the filament into cells, or aseptate, where no crosswalls are present and the cytoplasm remains continuous along the length. Aseptate hyphae, also called coenocytic hyphae, lack septa entirely, leading to a multinucleate, tube-like filament where cytoplasmic flow can occur freely, enabling rapid growth. This is precisely what the term describes: hyphae without crosswalls. In contrast, septate hyphae have partitions; pseudohyphae are not true hyphae and arise from budding yeast, appearing as elongated, constricted cells rather than a seamless filament; true hyphae is a general term that encompasses both septate and aseptate forms, so it doesn’t specify the absence of crosswalls.