Mycology: practice question

A Microbiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Microbiology · Mycology

Sample item

Which feature distinguishes mucormycosis from aspergillosis on microscopy?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Broad non-septate right-angle hyphae

Mucorales produce broad ribbon-like sparsely septate hyphae with right-angle branching, unlike the narrow septate acute-angle hyphae of Aspergillus.

Option by option

  • A. Septate acute-angle hyphae

    Septate acute-angle branching suggests Aspergillus.

  • B. Acid-fast bacilli

    Acid-fast bacilli are mycobacteria.

  • C. Budding yeast only

    Budding yeast suggests Candida.

  • D. Broad non-septate right-angle hyphae (correct)

    Correct: broad right-angle hyphae are mucormycosis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Microbiology questions

Questions about this Microbiology question

What is the answer to this Microbiology question?

The best answer is D, Broad non-septate right-angle hyphae. Mucorales produce broad ribbon-like sparsely septate hyphae with right-angle branching, unlike the narrow septate acute-angle hyphae of Aspergillus.

Why is "Septate acute-angle hyphae" not the answer?

Septate acute-angle branching suggests Aspergillus.

Why is "Acid-fast bacilli" not the answer?

Acid-fast bacilli are mycobacteria.

Why is "Budding yeast only" not the answer?

Budding yeast suggests Candida.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Mycology in Microbiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: broad right-angle hyphae are mucormycosis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Mycology?

Make a one-line identity card for each organism: shape and stain, defining test, toxin, disease and drug. Then use the flashcards and the other Microbiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.