Question

chapter quiz: plants and fungi
total points: --/100
which of the following is a characteristic that distinguishes the fungi from plants and animals?
a cell wall made of chitin and glucan.
fungi are heterotrophs.
both fungi and plants produce spores by meiosis.
all fungi are multicellular.

Explanation:

Analyze the question requirements

The question asks for a characteristic that distinguishes fungi from both plants and animals.

Evaluate the cell wall option

Using the Fungal Structure knowledge point

• Fungi have cell walls composed of chitin and glucans.
• Plants have cell walls made of cellulose.
• Animals lack cell walls entirely.
• Therefore, a cell wall made of chitin and glucan uniquely distinguishes fungi from both groups.

Evaluate the heterotrophy option

• Fungi are heterotrophs, but animals are also heterotrophs.
• This does not distinguish fungi from animals.

Evaluate the spore production option

• The statement "Both fungi and plants produce spores by meiosis" describes a shared feature or comparison, rather than a unique distinguishing characteristic of fungi alone.

Evaluate the multicellularity option

• Not all fungi are multicellular (e.g., unicellular yeasts).
• Both plants and animals are also multicellular, so this does not distinguish them.

Answer:

• A cell wall made of chitin and glucan. (Correct answer)
• Fungi are heterotrophs.
• Both fungi and plants produce spores by meiosis.
• All fungi are multicellular.