How do fungi digest cellulose found in wood?

Fungi play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, particularly cellulose found in wood. They utilize rootlike structures known as hyphae to permeate the wood and facilitate digestion. Hyphae are thin, filamentous structures that not only help fungi absorb nutrients but also secrete enzymes directly into their environment.

These enzymes, such as cellulases, break down cellulose into smaller, digestible sugars. The extensive network of hyphae increases the surface area for nutrient absorption, allowing fungi to efficiently obtain energy and nutrients from the wood. This symbiotic relationship with their environment is fundamental to the role fungi play as decomposers in ecosystems.

Other options, while they touch upon different aspects of biology, do not accurately describe the primary method that fungi use to digest cellulose. The correct understanding highlights the significance of hyphae in both the enzymatic breakdown of materials and nutrient absorption.