How do fungi and plants differ in their mode of nutrition?

• A. Fungi are autotrophic, while plants are heterotrophic.
• B. Fungi are heterotrophic, while plants are autotrophic.
• C. Both fungi and plants are heterotrophic.
• D. Both fungi and plants are autotrophic.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the terms 'autotrophic' and 'heterotrophic': Autotrophic organisms can produce their own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals. Heterotrophic organisms cannot synthesize their own food and rely on other sources of organic carbon, primarily plant or animal matter.
2. Identify the mode of nutrition for plants: Plants are autotrophic. They perform photosynthesis, a process that converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.
3. Identify the mode of nutrition for fungi: Fungi are heterotrophic. They obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their environment. They secrete enzymes to break down complex organic substances into simpler compounds that can be absorbed.
4. Compare the modes of nutrition: Plants, being autotrophic, produce their own food, while fungi, being heterotrophic, depend on external sources of organic material for nutrition.
5. Conclude the differences: The key difference is that fungi are heterotrophic and rely on external organic material, whereas plants are autotrophic and can produce their own food through photosynthesis.