Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Fungi like bread moulds and mushrooms use saprotrophic / extracellular digestion. They secrete digestive enzymes onto the food material outside their body. These enzymes break down complex organic substances into simpler, soluble molecules, which are then absorbed directly through the body surface.

This strategy is particularly effective for non-motile organisms because the fungi simply grow over or into the food source (e.g., bread, dead matter). They do not need to move toward food — instead, they release enzymes wherever they are in contact with the material and absorb nutrients in place.

Source: Chapter 5, Section 5.2.2 — Heterotrophic Nutrition

---

• The key terms examiners look for are: secretion of enzymes outside the body, breakdown of complex substances, and absorption.
• Distinguish this from Amoeba's method (engulfing → food vacuole → intracellular digestion).
• The "why effective" part needs a direct link to immobility: growing over food = no need to chase it.
• Avoid writing a long essay; 3 marks = 3 clear points (secretion → breakdown → absorption + reason for effectiveness).