NEET BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -In contrast with the saprotrophic fungi, parasitic fungi attack living organisms, penetrate their outer defenses, invade them, and obtain nourishment from living cytoplasm, thereby causing disease and sometimes death of the host.

Detailed explanation-2: -All fungi are heterotrophic, which means that they get the energy they need to live from other organisms. Like animals, fungi extract the energy stored in the bonds of organic compounds such as sugar and protein from living or dead organisms.

Detailed explanation-3: -Parasitic Fungi are fungi that can invade a living host and obtain nourishment, often causing damage to the function and structure of the host.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fungi as Parasites Parasitic fungi live in or on other organisms and get their nutrients from them. Fungi have special structures for penetrating a host. They also produce enzymes that break down the host’s tissues. Parasitic fungi often cause illness and may eventually kill their host.

Detailed explanation-5: -Many pathogenic fungi are parasitic in humans and are known to cause diseases of humans and other animals. In humans, parasitic fungi most commonly enter the body through a wound in the epidermis (skin). Such wounds may be insect punctures or accidentally inflicted scratches, cuts, or bruises.