Question

What is common to bacteria, mosses and fungus? (a) It is a mode of nutrition (b) Presence of cell wall (c) Autotrophic (d) Body organization

Short answer

The common characteristic between bacteria, mosses, and fungi is the presence of a cell wall, which is option B.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Choice A

Choice A, 'It is a mode of nutrition', can be ruled out as the common trait as the mode of nutrition varies among these organisms. Bacteria can be heterotrophic or autotrophic, mosses are autotrophic, and fungus are heterotrophic.

Evaluate Choice B

In the case of choice B, 'Presence of cell wall', each of the three organisms (bacteria, mosses and fungus) all have cell walls although their composition may differ. Therefore, this can be considered as a common feature.

Evaluate Choice C

Choice C, 'Autotrophic', is not a common trait among them as only mosses are autotrophic. Bacteria can be either autotrophic or heterotrophic, and fungi are heterotrophic.

Evaluate Choice D

Finally, choice D, 'Body organization', is not a common feature as the body organization is also different in each of these organisms.

Key concepts

Cell Wall Presence

All living organisms are remarkable in their diversity and complexity, but certain features are common across different life forms. Among these features, the presence of a cell wall stands out when comparing bacteria, mosses, and fungi.

A cell wall is a rigid layer that surrounds the cells of plants, fungi, and bacteria. This structure provides protection and maintains the shape of the cell, and can be made of various substances depending on the organism. In bacteria, the cell wall is composed mostly of a substance called peptidoglycan. In contrast, the cell walls of plants and mosses contain cellulose, and fungi have walls typically made of chitin.

The presence of a cell wall is fundamental as it helps in guarding against physical damage and osmotic stress. It also allows organisms to thrive in diverse and often harsh environments. Despite the differences in composition, the function of the cell wall unites these organisms by serving a critical role in their survival.

Heterotrophic and Autotrophic Nutrition

The mode of nutrition is one of the most significant aspects of organism classification and understanding. Generally, organisms can be divided into two main nutritional categories: heterotrophs and autotrophs.

Heterotrophs, such as fungi, obtain their energy by consuming organic matter produced by other organisms. They play essential roles in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead material and recycling nutrients. Fungi have elaborate mechanisms to secrete enzymes and absorb nutrients from their surroundings.

Conversely, autotrophs, like mosses, are able to produce their own food through the process of photosynthesis, using light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Some bacteria also have this capability, though others are heterotrophs like fungi. This dual ability of bacteria to adopt different modes of nutrition is fascinating and is a topic of interest in both ecology and evolutionary biology.

Biology NEET Preparation

For students preparing for competitive exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), understanding the concepts of biology is vitally important. NEET asks students to apply their knowledge to different scenarios, often requiring a deep understanding of biological principles.

One of the key areas of focus should be the characteristics of living organisms, including concepts like cell wall presence and nutritional differences, to tackle questions effectively. An excellent NEET preparation strategy includes studying the diversity of life forms, their physiological and anatomical adaptations, and their roles in the ecosystem.

Practicing with previous years' questions, taking mock tests, and using step-by-step solutions to understand the rationale behind the answers can significantly enhance one's grasp of the subject. Remember, critical thinking, along with a solid knowledge base, is essential to scoring well in biology for NEET.