Which of the following is a characteristic feature of fungi?

• A. Prokaryotic cell structure
• B. Photosynthetic ability
• C. Motility via flagella in adult stage
• D. Cell walls containing chitin

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem is asking for a characteristic feature of fungi. To solve this, we need to recall the defining traits of fungi and compare them to the options provided.
2. Review the options: Analyze each option systematically. For example, fungi are eukaryotic organisms, so 'Prokaryotic cell structure' is incorrect. Fungi do not perform photosynthesis, so 'Photosynthetic ability' is also incorrect. Fungi are generally non-motile in their adult stage, so 'Motility via flagella in adult stage' is not a characteristic feature.
3. Recall the defining feature of fungi: Fungi are known for having cell walls that contain chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural support. This is a key characteristic that distinguishes them from other organisms like plants (which have cellulose in their cell walls).
4. Confirm the correct answer: Based on the analysis, the correct characteristic feature of fungi is 'Cell walls containing chitin.' This aligns with the biological definition of fungi.
5. Summarize the reasoning: The correct answer is determined by eliminating incorrect options and identifying the unique trait of fungi, which is the presence of chitin in their cell walls.