Final answer:
The walls that separate fungal cells are known as septa, which are crucial in forming the cellular structure of fungi. Septate hyphae contain septa with pores, enabling the transfer of materials between cells, while coenocytic hyphae are multinucleate and lack septa altogether.
"the correct option is approximately option A"
Step-by-step explanation:
Walls that separate fungal cells are called septa. These structures play a pivotal role in the morphology and function of fungal hyphae, the thread-like filaments that represent the growth form of most fungi. Fungi can be broadly divided into two categories based on their hyphal structure: those with septate hyphae and those with coenocytic hyphae. In septate hyphae, the septa serve as cross walls that delineate individual cells within the hypha. They are not completely solid walls, as they have pores that allow the exchange of organelles, such as ribosomes and mitochondria, and in some cases, even nuclei, between adjacent cells. These pores ensure rapid transport of nutrients and small molecules, maintaining a dynamic internal environment conducive to fungal growth.
On the other hand, certain fungi, particularly bread molds from the division Zygomycota, have coenocytic hyphae, which lack septa. These hyphae are often expansive, with a multinucleate structure, meaning that they contain many nuclei within a single, uninterrupted cellular compartment. The lack of septa in coenocytic hyphae represents an evolutionary adaptation that allows for different growth dynamics and resource distribution.
Structurally, the fungal body or mycelium is composed of these hyphae, which can cluster together to form complex structures such as mushrooms. Whether septate or coenocytic, fungal hyphae are enclosed by a cell wall that provides structural support and protection, marking a fundamental component of fungal cellular architecture.