How do fungi
obtain nutrients?
Fungi are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients through extracellular digestion. In this mode of nutrition, the fungus secretes powerful hydrolytic enzymes outside of its body into the surrounding medium. Once in contact with the food source the enzymes decompose (break down) complex molecules into simpler compounds that the fungus can absorb and use (Campbell, 616-617).
As a consequence of this mode of nutrition fungi must live in their own food supply. Therefore, when a food source is depleted they simply grow into a new food source (Tree of Life, http://tolweb.org/tree?group=fungi).
Works Cited
Campbell, Neil A. Biology. 4th ed. Menlo Park: The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing
Company, 1996.
Tree of Life Web Project. 2006. The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and
Life Sciences and The University of Arizona Library. 21 April 2006.
<http://tolweb.org/tree/>