Question

Which one of the following has saprophytic mode of nutrition
A. Roundworm
B. Leech
C. Mushroom
D. Lice

Answer 1

Hint: Non green plants take up nutrients in the form of solution from the dead and decaying organic matter. This mode of nutrition is called the saprophytic mode of nutrition and these non-green plants are referred to as the saprophytes.

Complete answer:
> Saprotrophs word has its Greek origin. It is derived from two words, namely “saprós” meaning “rotten” and “trophs” meaning “nourishment” means they are the organisms that derive nutrition from the rotten or dead and decay matter.
> Most of the mushrooms are saprophytes. They are non-green as they do not contain chlorophyll pigment. They are known to derive their nutrition from non-living (dead and decay) organic matter. Mushrooms metabolize these organic matter by eating the dead remains of plants like a compost pile and thus breaks down the organic matter present in the dead entity.
> Thereafter, reabsorption of the metabolized product takes place in the hypha through the process of endocytosis and the products are moved through the mycelia complex. In this way, the nutrients are circulated all through the body of an organism.
> On the other hand, roundworm, leech and lice are parasites and therefore they exhibit parasitic mode of nutrition means they obtain their nutrition from the host body on which they live.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The process of decomposition of dead and decay organic matter by Saprotrophs results in the formation of various composites. Amino acid composites are formed through the breakdown of proteins. Fatty acids and glycerol composites are formed on breakdown of lipids with the help of enzyme lipases. Starch on decomposition by enzyme amylases forms a composite of simple disaccharides and major glucose composites are obtained through breakdown of cellulose which forms the majority of plant cells.