Which of the following characteristics is unique to fungi and not exhibited by plants?

• A. Photosynthetic ability
• B. Storage of starch as an energy reserve
• C. Presence of chloroplasts
• D. Cell walls containing chitin

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the question: The problem asks to identify a characteristic unique to fungi that is not exhibited by plants. This requires comparing the structural and functional features of fungi and plants.
2. Review the characteristics of plants: Plants are photosynthetic organisms that contain chloroplasts, store energy as starch, and have cell walls made of cellulose.
3. Review the characteristics of fungi: Fungi are non-photosynthetic organisms, lack chloroplasts, store energy as glycogen (not starch), and have cell walls made of chitin.
4. Compare the options provided: Photosynthetic ability, storage of starch, and presence of chloroplasts are characteristics of plants, not fungi. The unique feature of fungi is their cell walls containing chitin.
5. Conclude the reasoning: The correct answer is 'Cell walls containing chitin,' as this is a structural feature unique to fungi and not found in plants.