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Multiple Choice
Which characteristic best indicates that the organism in question is a fungus, not a plant?
A
Presence of chloroplasts
B
Storage of starch as the main energy reserve
C
Ability to perform photosynthesis
D
Cell walls composed of chitin
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key differences between fungi and plants. Fungi are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they obtain their nutrients by absorbing them from the environment, while plants are autotrophic and perform photosynthesis.
Recognize that fungi do not have chloroplasts, which are organelles found in plants that enable photosynthesis. This eliminates the options related to chloroplasts and photosynthesis.
Learn that plants store starch as their main energy reserve, whereas fungi store glycogen. This further distinguishes fungi from plants.
Focus on the composition of the cell wall. Plant cell walls are primarily composed of cellulose, while fungal cell walls are composed of chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural support.
Conclude that the presence of cell walls composed of chitin is the characteristic that best indicates the organism is a fungus, not a plant.