The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Yeast is a microscopic, single-celled eukaryotic fungus. It primarily reproduces asexually through a process known as budding, which involves unequal cell division.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Yeast is a unicellular (single-celled) organism, unlike moulds or mushrooms which are multicellular fungi.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Like other living organisms, yeast requires energy to carry out metabolic activities and reproduction. It multiplies rapidly only when provided with sufficient nutrients (typically sugars) and favorable environmental conditions.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The small bulb-like projection coming out from the yeast cell is called a bud. The bud gradually grows and gets detached from the parent cell to form a new yeast cell. A "tuber" is a vegetative structure found in plants (e.g., potato) used for vegetative propagation, not in fungi.
Key Takeaway:
Yeast is a unicellular fungus that reproduces asexually via budding. It requires nutrients to sustain rapid multiplication.