Test Your Understanding
Know and Comprehend
1. The mold that produces penicillin is Penicillium notatum. Penicillium is the name of its (a) genus (b) order (c) family (d) species (e) specific epithet
Introduction: Carolus Linnaeus in the mid-18th century developed a system in which organisms were named according to the binomial system of nomenclature. This was done to allow clear communication between scientists.
Answer to Problem 1TYU
Correct answer: Penicillium notatum is a mold that produces penicillin. The genus of this mold is Penicillium. Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
Explanation of Solution
Reason for the correct answer:
In binomial system of Linnaeus, each species is assigned with a unique name consisting of two parts. The first part is designated as the genus, and the second part is designated as a specific epithet. The first alphabet of the name of the genus is always capitalized, while the specific epithet is not capitalized. Thus, in the case of Penicillium notatum, the first name is genus (Penicillium) and the second name is specific epithet (notatum).
Option (a) is given as “genus”.
Penicillium is the genus name of Penicillium notatum. Hence, the correct answer is option (a).
Reasons for incorrect answers:
Option (b) is given as “order”.
According to Linnaeus’ hierarchy, families are grouped into orders. The order of Penicillium notatum is “Eurotiales”. Hence, option (b) is incorrect.
Option (c) is given as “family”.
The family of Penicillium notatum is “Trichocomaceae”. Hence, option (c) is incorrect.
Option (d) is given as “species”.
Penicillium notatum is a fungal species in which Penicillium denotes the genus name. Hence, option (d) is incorrect.
Option (e) is given as “specific epithet”.
The second part of Penicillium notatum is notatum, which designates the specific epithet. Hence, option (e) is incorrect.
Hence, the options (b), (c), (d), and (e) are incorrect.
Penicillium denotes the genus name in Penicillium notatum.
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