Chapter 21, Problem 1.2Q

Summary Introduction

To explain: The way in which some fungi blur the distinctions between multicellularity and unicellularity.

Introduction: The food materials are digested by the fungi in a distinctive way. They have the capacity to degrade large and insoluble molecules. This is carried out by the secretion of digestive enzymes to break down large food molecules present in the environment. The products that are broken down are then absorbed by the cellular membranes of the fungi in a process known as absorptive heterotrophy.