[Campbell Biology P.916] Many fungal pathogens obtain nutrients by causing plant cells to be... | Practice Question

Many fungal pathogens obtain nutrients by causing plant cells to become leaky, releasing nutrients into intercellular spaces. If a fungus were to cause the immediate death of its host plant, would this strategy necessarily be beneficial for the fungus in the long term, considering its nutrient acquisition method?

  • A: Yes, because killing the host quickly ensures all nutrients are immediately available.
  • B: Yes, because it prevents the plant from mounting further defenses.
  • C: No, because the rapid death of the host might deplete the nutrient supply too quickly or stop the leakage, limiting the fungus's sustained growth.
  • D: No, because this strategy only works for viral pathogens, not fungal ones.

Explanation

Fungal pathogens that cause cells to become leaky rely on a sustained supply of nutrients from living host cells. If the host dies too quickly, the source of these nutrients will cease, and the fungus will not be able to complete its life cycle or grow efficiently in the long term.