In fungi, what are hyphae?

• A. Photosynthetic cells containing chloroplasts that produce sugars for the fungal colony
• B. Root-like structures used to anchor fungi to soil and transport water through vascular tissue
• C. Threadlike filaments that collectively form the mycelium and are involved in growth and nutrient absorption
• D. Single-celled reproductive structures that develop into spores during asexual reproduction

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that hyphae are structural components of fungi, not photosynthetic cells, so they do not contain chloroplasts or perform photosynthesis.
2. Recognize that fungi do not have vascular tissue like plants, so hyphae are not root-like structures used for water transport.
3. Know that hyphae are threadlike filaments that grow and branch, collectively forming a network called the mycelium.
4. Learn that hyphae play a key role in nutrient absorption by increasing the surface area of the fungal colony.
5. Distinguish hyphae from reproductive structures; while fungi produce spores, hyphae themselves are not single-celled reproductive units.