How do fungi change complex food into simpler forms they can absorb?

Question

They give off enzymes that break down complex foods.

They use other living things to break down complex foods.

They break up complex foods using their cilia.

They are able to chew complex foods.

Answer 1

They give off enzymes that break down complex foods. This process is known as extracellular digestion, where fungi release enzymes outside their bodies to break down complex organic compounds into simpler forms that they can then absorb through their cell walls. This allows fungi to obtain nutrients from a wide range of organic materials, such as dead plants, animals, and even other fungi.