Chapter 20, Problem 9A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The differencebetween parasite fungi and saprophytic fungi.

Introduction:

Parasitic Fungi are used as a source of food live tissues of various organisms. They secrete toxic enzymes, which damage plant tissue, and then use these tissues as food. Saprophytic fungi get nutrient from dead plant and animal remains. Most of them are extremely beneficial, breaking down this organic material into humus, minerals and nutrients that can be used by plants.

Explanation of Solution

The differencebetween parasite fungi and saprophytic fungi.

Parasite fungi	Saprophytic fungi
1. Parasite fungi depend on other organisms to obtain nutrients.	1. Saprophytic fungi are growing on the dead and decaying material to obtain nutrients.
2. Use extracellular digestion.	2. Use intracellular digestion.
3. Absorb nutrients through cell wall.	3. Absorb nutrients through haustoria.

Parasitic fungi requires a living host for their survival, hosts may be plants, animals or fungi. They are main reason of diseases and death in their host. On the other side, saprophytic fungi depend on dead decaying organic substances like dead leaves, insects and animals for their nutrients.

Conclusion

Parasitic fungi get their nutrient from living organic matter while saprophytic fungi get their food from dead organic matter.