Which among the following organisms absorbs nutrients through saprotrophic nutrition?
I. Bread mould
II. Mushroom
Correct Answer :
Both I and II
Solution :
The correct option is Both I and II.
Understanding Saprotrophic Nutrition:
Saprotrophic nutrition is a type of heterotrophic nutrition in which organisms derive their nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter. Saprotrophs secrete digestive enzymes externally onto the dead material to decompose complex organic substances into simpler, soluble forms, which are then absorbed directly into their bodies.
Analysis of the Given Organisms:
1. Bread Mould (Rhizopus): Bread mould is a fungus that thrives on moist, decaying organic substrates such as stale bread or rotting fruits. It secretes digestive enzymes to break down nutrients externally before absorption.
2. Mushroom (Agaricus): Mushrooms are macro-fungi that typically grow on rotting wood, leaf litter, and compost. They similarly break down complex dead organic matter using extracellular enzymes and absorb the dissolved nutrients.
Since both bread mould and mushroom rely on saprotrophic nutrition to obtain their food, both Statements I and II are correct.
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