Biology: Life on Earth Plus Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (11th Edition)
Biology: Life on Earth Plus Mastering Biology with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN: 9780134153742
Author: Gerald Audesirk, Teresa Audesirk, Bruce E. Byers
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Chapter 23, Problem 1MC
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Fungi bodies are called as mycelia. These mycelia are made up of a network of a thread-like structure called as hyphae. These hyphae are single-celled and interconnected. As these threads are single-celled, the cell wall of the hyphae has to be extremely strong for the survival of the fungi.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

Fungi have cell walls primarily composed of chitin.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that Fungi have cell walls primarily composed of chitin. Chitin is a strong substance. It is primarily found in exoskeletons of some insects and species related to crab for protection. This substance is also found in cell walls of fungi. This substance makes the tiny hyphae stronger and maintains their cell stability. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that Fungi have cell walls primarily composed of lignin. Lignin is a substance found primarily in the wood. This is a strong substance that makes the tree trunks hard. On the contrary, only some species of the fungi can decompose the lignin from the dead plant bodies. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is given that Fungi have cell walls primarily composed of cellulose. Cellulose is found in most of the plant cells. Most of the animals that eat plant cannot digest cellulose. So they let some species of fungi like rumen live in their gut symbiotically. These fungi digest cellulose. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is given that Fungi have cell walls primarily composed of glucose. Glucose molecules are the primary source of energy for fungi. They obtain it from other organisms by symbiosis or parasitism. Glucose is not the part of the fungi cell wall. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Therefore, cell walls of Fungi are primarily composed of chitin.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Which is NOT an advantage of the dikaryotic stage in fungi?   A. it generate genetic variation   B. it increases the chances of the fungi of surviving and reproducing   C. it allows the fungi to complete reproduction when conditions are appropriate
Fungi are not classified as Plants primarily because they: a. are prokaryotes b. need high moisture c. are chemoheterotrophic d. reproduce sexually
Which of the following statements about fungi is false?a. Most fungi are multicellular.b. Fungal cell walls are composed of cellulose.c. Most fungi are nonmotile.d. Fungi digest their food before ingesting it.
Knowledge Booster
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
    • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
    Recommended textbooks for you
  • BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305967359
    Author:STARR
    Publisher:CENGAGE L
    Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781337392938
    Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
    Publisher:Cengage Learning
  • BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781305967359
    Author:STARR
    Publisher:CENGAGE L
    Biology (MindTap Course List)
    Biology
    ISBN:9781337392938
    Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
    Publisher:Cengage Learning