Question

Which one of the following is a decomposer?
A) Fungi
B) Algae
C) Protozoa
D) Insect

Answer 1

Hint: Fungi feed on the dead and decaying matter for their nutrition. They break down the complex matter by enzyme secretion through cell walls. These organisms have specialized structures called hyphae that releases certain digestive enzymes to break down complex organic matter.

Step by step answer: Fungi are decomposers. Decomposers break down the complex organic matter present in the soil to simpler organic matter for easy absorption by plants. They are heterotrophic as they are not able to synthesize their own food. Fungi grow on organic matter as they are saprophytic in nature. The fungi have hyphae which can penetrate on the organic matter. Hyphae break down the matter and help in absorption in fungi. The fungi secrete enzymes like proteases, lipases, amylases, etc. to break down the matter. They also decompose lignin which is not easily degradable.
Hyphae are the characteristic appearance of fungi growing on woods. They reproduce either sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction involves the production of spores. It also exhibits symbiotic relationships with other organisms. They occur as both single cellular; eg. yeasts or multicellular organisms. Yeast is a fungus that plays a vital role in the fermentation process. It is an organism used in food industries.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: The reproduction of fungi is through hyphae. When the fungi growing next to each other have compatibility, their hyphae fuse together and form a new fungus. They are classified as Ascomycota, Zygomycota and Basidiomycota.