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Question

Which one of the following organisms is dependent on saprophytic mode of nutrition?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2019 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (03-Feb-2019)
The correct answer is

Agaricus

This question asks us to identify which organism among the given options relies on a saprophytic mode of nutrition. Let's explore the nutritional strategies of each organism listed.

Saprophytic Nutrition Explained

Saprophytic nutrition is a process where an organism obtains nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter. These organisms, known as saprophytes, secrete digestive enzymes onto the dead material, breaking it down externally. They then absorb the simpler, digested molecules. Fungi and some bacteria commonly exhibit this mode of nutrition, playing a crucial role as decomposers in ecosystems.

Organism Nutritional Modes Comparison

We need to determine the mode of nutrition for each option provided:

  • Agaricus: This organism is a type of fungus, commonly known as a mushroom. Fungi are heterotrophs, and Agaricus specifically is a saprophyte. It grows on dead organic materials like decaying wood, compost, or soil rich in organic matter, absorbing nutrients from its surroundings.
  • Ulothrix: This is a genus of green algae. Green algae contain chlorophyll, the pigment necessary for photosynthesis. Therefore, Ulothrix is an autotroph, meaning it produces its own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water through photosynthesis. The generalized equation for photosynthesis is:

    \[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{Light Energy}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]

  • Riccia: This is a genus of plants belonging to the liverworts, which are part of the bryophytes. Like most plants, Riccia possesses chlorophyll and conducts photosynthesis to produce its own food. Hence, it is autotrophic.
  • Cladophora: This is also a genus of green algae, similar to Ulothrix. It contains chlorophyll and relies on photosynthesis to produce energy. Cladophora is an autotroph.

Identifying the Saprophytic Organism

Based on the analysis of their nutritional modes:

  • Agaricus is saprophytic.
  • Ulothrix is autotrophic (photosynthetic).
  • Riccia is autotrophic (photosynthetic).
  • Cladophora is autotrophic (photosynthetic).

Therefore, the only organism listed that is dependent on a saprophytic mode of nutrition is Agaricus.

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