Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of fungi?

• A. Carry out photosynthesis using chlorophyll in chloroplasts
• B. Obtain nutrients by absorption after extracellular digestion
• C. Cell walls composed primarily of chitin
• D. Produce spores as a common reproductive strategy

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the general characteristics of fungi. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by absorbing them after secreting enzymes outside their cells (extracellular digestion).
2. Step 2: Recognize that fungi have cell walls made primarily of chitin, which is a strong, flexible polysaccharide distinct from the cellulose found in plant cell walls.
3. Step 3: Note that fungi reproduce commonly by producing spores, which can be sexual or asexual, allowing them to spread and colonize new environments.
4. Step 4: Identify that fungi do NOT carry out photosynthesis because they lack chlorophyll and chloroplasts, which are essential for photosynthesis and are found in plants and some protists.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the characteristic 'Carry out photosynthesis using chlorophyll in chloroplasts' is NOT true for fungi, distinguishing them from photosynthetic organisms.