When a mycelium infiltrates an unexploited source of dead organic matter, what are most likely to appear within the food source soon thereafter?
A) fungal haustoria
B) fungal enzymes
C) increased oxygen levels
D) larger bacterial populations

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a mycelium infiltrates an unexploited source of dead organic matter, it secretes fungal enzymes that break down the complex organic molecules into simpler nutrients that can be absorbed and used by the mycelium. This is known as external digestion. Fungal haustoria are specialized structures that allow fungi to obtain nutrients from living cells of other organisms, not dead organic matter. Increased oxygen levels and larger bacterial populations are not directly related to the process of mycelium infiltrating dead organic matter.

When a Mycelium Infiltrates an Unexploited Source of Dead Organic