Chapter 26, Problem 1TYU

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms belonging to the kingdom fungi that includes unicellular organisms like molds, yeast, and other families of mushroom.

Answer to Problem 1TYU

Correct answer:

All fungi are heterotrophic in nature and cannot synthesize their own food. They obtain their food by secreting enzymes in the environment to digest complex molecules into smaller molecules. Fungi absorb such small molecules. Therefore, option (B) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

Fungi cannot synthesize their own food with the help of solar energy and organic nutrients obtained from the environment, instead, they are heterotrophic in nature. Therefore, they absorb simple molecules by releasing enzymes in their surroundings and converting the complex food molecules into simpler forms outside the body.

Option (B) is given as “heterotrophic”.

“All fungi are heterotrophic”, is the right answer.

Hence, option (B) is correct.

Reason for the incorrect statements:

Option (A) is given as “symbiotic”.

The mutual relation present between the two organisms is known as symbiosis and both the organisms are benefitted, but not all fungi form a symbiotic relationship. Hence, it is the wrong answer.

Option (C) is given as “flagellated”.

Only primitive species of fungi like chytrids have flagella. Hence, it is the wrong answer.

Option (D) is given as “decomposers”.

The breakdown of dead and decaying organisms is the main functional characteristic of decomposers, but only a few species of mushroom act as decomposers. Hence, it is the wrong answer.

Hence, options (A), (C), and (D) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Fungi can grow in any habitat and have a variety of enzymes that can digest a wide range of compounds from live or dead organisms.