How Do Fungi Obtain Nutrients

Question

How do fungi obtain nutrients?
A) through photosynthesis
B) by secreting chemicals that break down food and then absorbing it
C) by secreting antibiotics and then absorbing killed bacteria
D) by engulfing bacteria directly

Accepted Answer

Fungi are heterotrophs, which means they cannot make their own food unlike plants which perform photosynthesis. Instead, fungi secrete enzymes that break down organic matter (dead plants, animals, or other fungi) and then absorb the resulting nutrients. This process is called external digestion.