# Describe four features of fungi that distinguish them from plants.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 1.2 Variety of living organisms · Describe · 4 marks

> Mucor is a multicellular fungus commonly found growing on decaying organic matter. Unlike plants, fungi obtain their nutrients in a distinctive way and have a different body structure and cell wall composition.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fungi have a cell wall made of chitin (not cellulose as in plants)
2. Fungi use saprotrophic nutrition / secrete digestive enzymes onto food outside the cell and absorb the digested products
3. Fungi do not contain chloroplasts / cannot photosynthesise
4. Fungi have a hyphal structure / body is made of hyphae (forming a mycelium) / are multicellular with thread-like filaments

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-four-features-of-fungi-that-5d93c131) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.