Final answer:
Fungi are eukaryotic heterotrophs that differ from plants in that they cannot photosynthesize and instead absorb nutrients after externally digesting organic material with exoenzymes. Their cell walls contain chitin rather than cellulose, and they play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter in ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Fungi and Plants
Fungi, such as mushrooms, are eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients from organic matter, a trait that is shared with animals rather than plants. Unlike plants, fungi are not capable of photosynthesis and do not have chloroplasts to convert sunlight into energy. Instead, fungi are heterotrophs, meaning they absorb nutrients from their environment, often breaking down dead or decaying matter.
The primary component of fungal cell walls is chitin, which is distinct from the cellulose found in plant cell walls. Fungi do not have structures such as xylem and phloem for transporting water and nutrients like plants do. Fungi's mode of nutrition involves secreting exoenzymes into their surroundings to digest organic material externally, and then absorbing the resulting smaller molecules.
Fungi play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers, facilitating the recycling of nutrients by converting complex organic substances into simpler molecules. This process is essential for the health of the environment.