How exactly does a saprotrophic fungus 'eat'?

Question

I've read that it releases certain enzymes from the hyphae that break down the dead organic matter ... but how then do the nutrients end up in the fungus?

I've read that it releases certain enzymes from the hyphae that break down the dead organic matter ... but how then do the nutrients end up in the fungus?

EDIT> I understand the words behind it, what I don't understand is how they the nutrients are fed into the fungus. Is it absorbed through the hyphae? Sucked up? Released into the soil and absorbed that way? Thanks for the answers, though!

Answer 1

The digestive enzymes (exoenzymes) are released from the hyphae into the environment so that the biological macromolecules can be digested into their smaller components, ie. polysaccharides into glucoses and proteins into amino acids.

Then these smaller components move into the hyphal cells via diffusion.

If you need a more detailed explanation, let me know.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How exactly does a saprotrophic fungus 'eat'?
I've read that it releases certain enzymes from the hyphae that break down the dead organic matter ... but how then do the nutrients end up in the fungus?

Answer 3

Saprotroph
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A saprotroph (or saprobe) is an organism that obtains its nutrients from non-living organic matter, usually dead and decaying plant or animal matter, by absorbing soluble organic compounds. Since saprotrophs cannot make food for themselves, they are considered a type of heterotroph. They include many fungi (the rest being parasitic, commensal or mutualistic symbionts), bacteria, and protozoa. Animal scavengers, such as dung beetles, and vultures and a few unusual non-photosynthetic plants are also sometimes referred to as saprotrophs, but are more commonly called saprophages.

Saprophyte is an older term that is now considered obsolete. The suffix -phyte means "plant". However, there are no truly saprotrophic organisms that are embryophytes, and fungi and bacteria are no longer placed in the Plant Kingdom. Plants that were once considered saprophytes, such as non-photosynthetic orchids and monotropes, are now known to be parasites on other plants. They are termed myco-heterotrophs because a mycorrhizal fungus connects the parasitic plant with its host plant.

Some saprotrophic organisms are useful scavengers, and in sewage farms and refuse dumps break down organic matter into nutrients easily assimilable by green plants.

Answer 4

Saprotrophic Fungi

Answer 5

there are different types of mold. the mold on bread is spores, and that is a different kind of fungus, not like say, a chanterall mushroom. you should never eat moldy bread. it's bad for you.

Answer 6

They grow towards it i believe