Question

All fungi ___. a. are multicelled b. form flagellated spores c. are heterotrophs d. produce multicellular fruiting bodies

Short answer

All fungi are heterotrophs (c).

Step-by-step solution

Identify Key Characteristics of Fungi

Fungi are a group of eukaryotic organisms that are known for their distinct characteristics. Most fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they obtain their energy and nutrients from organic matter rather than producing it themselves like plants. It's important to consider this trait when analyzing the given options.

Evaluate Option A

Option A states that all fungi are multicelled. While many fungi are multicellular, such as mushrooms, not all of them fit this category. Some fungi, like yeasts, are unicellular.

Evaluate Option B

Option B suggests that all fungi form flagellated spores. While some fungi do produce flagellated spores, it's not true for all fungi. For instance, most terrestrial fungi, like those in the phylum Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, do not produce flagellated spores.

Evaluate Option C

Option C proposes that all fungi are heterotrophs. This is indeed a defining characteristic of fungi; they absorb nutrients from their environment, often through decomposition or symbiosis.

Evaluate Option D

Option D claims that all fungi produce multicellular fruiting bodies. While some fungi, particularly those in Basidiomycota, have multicellular fruiting bodies, not all fungi produce such structures. For example, yeasts do not form multicellular fruiting bodies.

Determine the Correct Answer

Based on the evaluation of each option, the only universal trait among all fungi is their heterotrophic nature. Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

Key concepts

Multicellular

Fungi are fascinating organisms that can range from microscopic to very large and visible structures like mushrooms. When we talk about multicellular fungi, we're referring to those that are composed of many cells. These cells work together in a coordinated way, allowing the fungi to form complex structures.
Multicellular fungi include:

• Mushrooms: These are perhaps the most famous multicellular fungi and consist of a network of threads called mycelium, topped with a fruiting body.
• Molds: These are common on spoiled food and grow as multicellular filaments called hyphae.

However, not all fungi are multicellular. Yeasts are an exception, as they are single-celled organisms and a part of the fungal kingdom too.
So, while many fungi are multicellular, it's essential to remember that this isn't a trait universal to all fungi.

Heterotrophs

Fungi are heterotrophs, which means they cannot make their own food. Unlike plants, which produce energy through photosynthesis, fungi derive energy from organic compounds found in their surroundings.
Fungi exhibit heterotrophy in the following ways:

• Decomposition: Fungi decompose dead organic material, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
• Symbiosis: Some fungi form mutualistic relationships with other organisms, such as the mycorrhizal associations with plant roots, helping them absorb nutrients.
• Parasitism: Some fungi obtain nutrients at the expense of living hosts, sometimes causing disease.

Heterotrophy is a critical characteristic that defines fungi. It sets them apart from other kingdoms, emphasizing their role as recyclers in the environment.

Spores

Spores are a vital part of the fungal life cycle, serving as the primary means of reproduction and dispersion. Fungi produce spores in various ways, depending on their type.
There are several features of spores:

• Durability: Spores are typically resilient, capable of surviving harsh conditions until they find a suitable environment to grow.
• Variety: Fungi can produce different types of spores, with some specialized for specific conditions. For example, some fungi produce flagellated spores, whereas others don't.
• Dispersion: Spores can be spread through air, water, or by animal carriers, allowing fungi to colonize new areas.

While not all fungi produce flagellated spores, the production of spores is a common characteristic, crucial for fungal reproduction and survival.