After fungi digest the food they absorb, what do they primarily release as a metabolic byproduct?

• A. Methane
• B. Nitrogen gas
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Oxygen

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that fungi are heterotrophic organisms that obtain energy by breaking down organic matter through metabolic processes.
2. Recognize that during the digestion and absorption of food, fungi perform cellular respiration to convert nutrients into usable energy.
3. Recall that cellular respiration in fungi primarily involves the breakdown of glucose (or other organic molecules) in the presence of oxygen, producing energy, water, and carbon dioxide as byproducts.
4. Identify that among the options given, carbon dioxide is the common metabolic byproduct released during aerobic respiration by fungi.
5. Conclude that fungi primarily release carbon dioxide as a metabolic byproduct after digesting and absorbing their food.