If you wanted to use fungi to improve the environment, which of the following research goals would make the most sense?
A) Discover the lignin-digesting enzymes of fungi, and use them to digest plant tissues left over from food-crop residues to reduce landfill waste.
B) Discover the enzymes that the fungal partner in lichens uses to break down rock so that large rock expanses can be turned into agricultural lands.
C) Discover the enzymes that fungi use to break down plant matter and use them to increase decomposition rates in order to slow global warming.
D) Develop a strain of fungus that produces enzymes that absorb oxygen and will help slow global warming.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fungi have enzymes that can break down lignin, a complex organic polymer in plant cell walls. Using these enzymes to digest plant residues can reduce landfill waste, making this a practical environmental improvement.

If You Wanted to Use Fungi to Improve the Environment