nutrition Flashcards
What do fungi not have?
They do not have chlorophyll
Are fungi autotrophic or heterotrophic?
They are heterotrophic (they take in food)
Fungi are heterotrophic, what types of heterotrophs can they be and explain them?
parasites (absorbing food from live hosts)
saprophytes ( absorbing food from dead organic matter)
What do parasitic fungi mostly take their food from?
plants
How do parasitic fungi take food from plants?
They penetrate between the cells of the plant from which it absorbs food.
What happens when parasitic fungi live on an animal? Give an example of this
They cause disease (athlete’s foot and ringworm)
define obligate parasites
An obligate parasite can only take its food from a live host
define a facultative parasite
they can get its food from a live or dead organism
what are most fungi? parasites or saprophytes?
saprophytes
Where are saprophytes commonly found?
In the soil and on rotting leaves, trees and dead animals
Give examples of saprophytes
mushrooms and moulds
what do saprophytic fungi act as?
decomposers
Why are saprophytic fungi vital in the environment?
As the material is digested, minerals are released and recycled.
