Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fungi?

• A. They are photosynthetic organisms.
• B. They reproduce by means of spores.
• C. They have cell walls made of chitin.
• D. They obtain nutrients by absorption.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the characteristics of fungi: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that have specific traits such as reproducing by spores, having cell walls made of chitin, and obtaining nutrients by absorption. They are heterotrophic, meaning they do not produce their own food through photosynthesis.
2. Analyze the first option: 'They are photosynthetic organisms.' Fungi are not photosynthetic because they lack chlorophyll, the pigment required for photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain nutrients by breaking down organic material and absorbing it.
3. Analyze the second option: 'They reproduce by means of spores.' This is a true characteristic of fungi. Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually, often through the production of spores.
4. Analyze the third option: 'They have cell walls made of chitin.' This is also a true characteristic of fungi. Unlike plants, which have cell walls made of cellulose, fungi have cell walls composed of chitin, a strong and flexible polysaccharide.
5. Analyze the fourth option: 'They obtain nutrients by absorption.' This is another true characteristic of fungi. Fungi secrete enzymes to break down complex organic material into simpler compounds, which they then absorb. Therefore, the correct answer is the first option, as fungi are not photosynthetic organisms.