Mycelium is a characteristic feature of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which organism has a mycelium as a characteristic feature.

Step 2: Explain the concept A mycelium is a mass of thread-like filaments called hyphae. It is the vegetative body of many fungi. The hyphae branch and spread through the food source (substrate), secreting enzymes and absorbing nutrients.

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Bacteria: These are single-celled prokaryotes. They have no hyphae or true mycelium.
• B. Hydra: This is a freshwater animal (a cnidarian) with a tentacled body. It has no mycelium.
• C. Moulds: These are multicellular fungi, such as Mucor, Rhizopus and Penicillium. Their bodies are made of hyphae that form a mycelium, so this fits.
• D. Mosses: These are simple plants (bryophytes) with rhizoids, a stem and small leaves. They have no mycelium.
• E. Yeasts: These are unicellular fungi that reproduce by budding. They generally do not form a true mycelium.

Step 4: Answer Moulds are the organisms in the list that are characterized by a mycelium.

Exam tip: Link the word mycelium to fungi with hyphae, such as Mucor, Rhizopus and mushrooms. Yeast is the common trap because it is also a fungus, but it is single-celled. Remember "Yeast = Single cell, Mould = Mycelium."