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Problem 4 - Entrance Test

Which of the following fungal characteristics represents a significant evolutionary divergence, distinguishing it from typical plant and animal kingdoms, particularly regarding its nutrition and cell wall composition?

Correct: C

The Kingdom Fungi is characterized by its unique mode of nutrition and cell wall composition, which clearly distinguishes it from both plants and animals. Fungi are heterotrophic, obtaining nutrients by absorption (secreting digestive enzymes externally and absorbing the breakdown products), unlike plants which are autotrophic (photosynthetic) and animals which are heterotrophic by ingestion. Furthermore, fungal cell walls are primarily composed of chitin, a tough nitrogen-containing polysaccharide, whereas plant cell walls are made of cellulose. Animals lack cell walls. Therefore, 'Heterotrophic nutrition via absorption and presence of chitin in the cell wall' is the correct answer. Fungi do not possess true tissues and organs (like animals) or perform photosynthesis (like plants).