the mode of nutrition found in fungi is
The mode of nutrition found in fungi is heterotrophic.
Heterotrophic organisms are those that cannot produce their own food through photosynthesis or other means. Instead, they obtain their nutrients by consuming organic matter from their environment. Fungi are heterotrophic organisms that play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers, breaking down dead organic material and recycling nutrients back into the environment.
Fungi have a unique way of obtaining nutrients. They secrete enzymes that break down complex organic compounds, such as cellulose and lignin found in plant matter, into simpler substances. The fungi then absorb these simpler molecules through their hyphal structures, which are fine thread-like structures that form a network known as mycelium.
This ability to decompose and digest organic matter makes fungi crucial for nutrient cycling in ecosystems, as they contribute to the recycling of essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Additionally, some fungi have symbiotic relationships with plants, forming mycorrhizal associations, where the fungus provides the plant with nutrients like phosphorus and receives carbohydrates from the plant in return.
In summary, fungi are heterotrophic organisms that obtain their nutrients by breaking down and absorbing organic matter from their surroundings, contributing significantly to nutrient recycling and ecosystem functioning.