Question

Mention any one characteristic feature of saprophytes?

Answer 1

Saprophytes break down the dead and rotting organic matter into simpler substances that the plants can pick up and recycle, and they are extremely important in soil biology. Therefore, they play a significant role in preserving the ecological balance.

Complete answer:
Saprophytes are living organisms as they feed on dead matter and decay. They break down the complex organic matter into simpler substances that the plants pick up for specific metabolic activities. Saprophytes thus play an important part in the ecosystem.
Saprophytes exhibit various other characteristics such as:
- They render filaments.
- They lack the leaves, the roots as well as the stem.
- They cannot photosynthesize and are heterotrophic.
- May produce spores.

The saprophytes secrete digestive juices and break down their organic matter. They can be found in the entire area. The fungi grow tubular structures known as hyphae branching out into dead matter and releasing digestive enzymes. A few examples of saprophytes follow here:
Mucor, also recognized as mould, is a saprophytic fungus which grows on decayed organic matter, especially carbohydrate-rich ones. Mucor is found mainly on old bread, beans, and dung. It reproduces by means of sexual and asexual communication.

Yeast is commonly found on sugars. It is found in significant quantities in grape juice, floral nectar, and vineyards. It reproduces under favorable conditions, by budding.
Penicillium grows on decayed matter such as bread, jam, jellies, nuts, vegetables and even on damp leather and shoes.

Note: Fungi are saprophytes, with a few bacteria are decomposers as they feed on matter which is dead and decaying. These organisms play an important role in preserving our ecological system.