Question

Explain the nutrition in fungi.

Answer 1

Hint: Both macro and microelements are required for the growth of fungi. Not all, but in some fungi, calcium is also required for the development process. They have specialized morphological structures that help them to acquire essential nutrients.

Complete answer: In the vegetative phase, the process of procuring nutrients and nourishment is essential for every living organism to derive energy and for the growth of protoplasm which is the basis of life. Nutrients utilized by the fungi in nature are in the form of organic substances. Some of the sources of energy for Basidiomycetes fungi include organic acids, lipids and proteins. The suitable carbon and energy compounds obtained from suitable nitrogen sources helps to suffice the basic nutritional needs of the fungi. In a minute trace, molybdenum and other inorganic ions such as copper, magnesium and some vitamins help in the growth process. Mycelium is a structure that helps fungi to absorb nutrients from their surrounding environment. Mycelium are structures made up of hyphae; these structures have thin walls that help the absorption of nutrients.

Note: Fungi are heterotrophic in nature. They form a symbiotic association with algae where the algae benefit them by supplying carbohydrates they synthesize, while the fungi protect algae from the environment with the help of its filaments. Fungi also form an association with plants and this association is called mycorrhiza. They reproduce with the help of special structures called spores.