Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga?
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29. Fungi
Fungi
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How do fungi digest their food?
A
They secrete digestive enzymes into their environment and absorb the resulting small molecules.
B
They rely on symbiotic bacteria in their gut to digest food.
C
They use chloroplasts to break down food via photosynthesis.
D
They ingest food particles through phagocytosis.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the unique feeding mechanism of fungi: Fungi are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they obtain their nutrients from external sources rather than producing their own food like autotrophs (e.g., plants).
Learn about extracellular digestion: Fungi secrete digestive enzymes into their surrounding environment. These enzymes break down complex organic molecules (like proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids) into smaller, absorbable molecules.
Recognize the absorption process: Once the enzymes break down the food into smaller molecules, fungi absorb these molecules through their cell walls and membranes, allowing them to utilize the nutrients for energy and growth.
Compare fungi's feeding mechanism to other organisms: Unlike animals, fungi do not ingest food particles or rely on internal digestion. They also do not use chloroplasts for photosynthesis, as they lack chlorophyll and are not autotrophic.
Eliminate incorrect options: Based on the above understanding, fungi do not rely on symbiotic bacteria in their gut (they lack a gut), do not use chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and do not ingest food through phagocytosis. The correct answer is that fungi secrete digestive enzymes into their environment and absorb the resulting small molecules.
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