Chapter 31, Problem 31.1CR

How does the morphofogy of multicellular fungi affect the efficiency of nutrient ahsorption?

Summary Introduction

To explain: The way in which morphology of multicellular fungi leads to an efficient nutrient absorption.

Introduction: Fungi are eukaryotes with their cell wall made up of chitin, which is different from that of bacteria or other eukaryotic organisms. Fungi can be both unicellular and multicellular. Multicellular fungi have long fine branched like structure called hyphae, which are usually colorless and appear like threads. These hyphae combine to form mycelium. Specialized hyphae then grow from the mycelium, which then develops into fruiting body that contains the spores.

Explanation of Solution

The structure of multicellular fungi plays a vital role in increasing the absorption of nutrients. The fungal body contains threadlike colorless, long branched structures called hyphae. Hyphae are made of tubular cell wall that surrounds the plasma membrane of the fungal cell. The major component of its cell wall is chitin, which is a strong and a flexible polysaccharide that helps to strengthen the cell wall and increase its absorption potential.

Due to absorption of nutrients in fungal cells, the nutrient concentration level inside the cell increases. As a result, the water moves inside the cells by the process of osmosis. Movement of water inside the cells creates a high pressure that may result in cell burst, but the rigidity of the cell wall protects the fungal cells from bursting. Mycelium, an “interwoven mass” formed by the fungal hyphae penetrates into the material fed by the fungus. This structure increases its surface area and volume in a proportional way and also helps increasing its feeding capability.

Conclusion

The presence of hyphae and mycelia in multicellular fungi increases the absorption of nutrients by the fungi thus, increasing their efficiency.