Chapter 20, Problem 24A

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The reason for considering chytrids as fungi.

Introduction:

Fungi are the eukaryotes, which are one of the major decomposers found on earth. The fungi are a close relative of the plants, but they lack the property of photosynthesis and they have a cell wall. Protists are a unicellular prokaryotic organism, that does not fit under other kingdoms. These organisms are heterotrophic and many of them have flagella and cilia for mobility. They are more animal-like.

Explanation of Solution

The chytrids are one of the primitive fungi. They are only fungi that have a flagellum. This flagellated character matches protists, but the cells of chytrids have a cell wall, which is absent in all the protists. Hence, they are placed under fungi.