Biology/fungi as producers
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Question
Since Fungi digest the substrate around them why are they not considered consumers instead of producers?
All consumers require preformed organic molecules to use for an energy source, and this includes fungi--they break down complex molecules from dead organisms and use the resulting substances as their energy source. Fungi are not capable of taking simple carbon sources and fixing it into complex carbon molecules; plants do this in photosynthesis by fixing a simple carbon source (carbon dioxide) into complex carbon molecules (glucose and fructose). That said, fungi do have some unique metabolic pathways not found in other consumers: some species can use ammonia, ethanol, and acetate as energy sources. Nonetheless, the criterion that separates producers from consumers is the ability to fix simple carbon into complex carbon molecules. Fungi all require complex organic molecules as their energy sources, and therefore are consumers.
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Answers by Expert:
John Locke
Expertise
I will answer all biology-related questions through the undergraduate level. I will explain unclear concepts and suggest approaches to solving problems, but would prefer not to completely solve homework problems for you. If you are completely stumped on homework, tell me what you already know and I will help you as much as possible. Please do not ask me for ideas on school research projects; part of research is determining a suitable area of investigation, and that's not a task that should be completed by someone else. Please don't simply send me your homework for solutions. If you are having difficulty after you have started an analysis, I will be happy to direct your thinking; in particular, I would prefer to not simply solve pedigrees for students, but I will be happy to assist in solving pedigrees that you have already started. If you don't understand how to analyze a pedigree, I'd highly recommend watching this video, in which a biology professor explains the basic concepts of pedigree analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbIHjsn5cHo
Experience
I have a BS in Bioengineering with a concentration in Chemical Engineering (which included a heavy focus on biology), and have taught biology, biochemistry, and related subjects for some time now.
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BS Bioengineering, Penn State University
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