Parasitic fungi possess hyphae that are modified to penetrate and absorb nutrients from host tissue. Such modified hyphae are called _____.

• A. asci
• B. mycorrhizae
• C. septa
• D. basidiocarps
• E. haustoria

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of parasitic fungi: Parasitic fungi are organisms that derive nutrients from a host organism, often causing harm to the host in the process.
2. Identify the structure of fungi: Fungi are composed of thread-like structures called hyphae, which form a network known as mycelium.
3. Recognize the function of modified hyphae: In parasitic fungi, some hyphae are specialized to penetrate host tissues and absorb nutrients. These specialized structures are crucial for the parasitic lifestyle.
4. Define haustoria: Haustoria are the modified hyphae in parasitic fungi that penetrate the host's cells to extract nutrients. They are specifically adapted for this purpose, distinguishing them from other fungal structures.
5. Differentiate from other terms: Asci, mycorrhizae, septa, and basidiocarps are different fungal structures or associations. Asci are spore-producing cells, mycorrhizae are symbiotic associations with plant roots, septa are cross-walls within hyphae, and basidiocarps are fruiting bodies of certain fungi. None of these are involved in parasitic nutrient absorption like haustoria.