Which term describes saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic organisms that lack chlorophyll and include molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts are called which term?

• A. Virus
• B. Bacteria
• C. Fungus
• D. Protozoa

Answer: (C)

Fungi are the organisms described here: they are eukaryotic and do not photosynthesize because they lack chlorophyll. They absorb nutrients from their surroundings (heterotrophic) and reproduce by spores, which covers a wide range of forms—molds, rusts, mildews, smuts, mushrooms, and yeasts. Many fungi live as saprophytes, breaking down dead organic matter, while others are parasites. Their cell walls contain chitin, not cellulose like plants.

Other options don’t fit as well. Viruses aren’t cells and can’t carry out metabolic processes on their own or reproduce without a host. Bacteria are prokaryotic, lacking a true nucleus. Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes, but they’re not defined by spore production in the way fungi are, nor do they encompass the broad set of forms listed.