Answer:
algae
Explanation:
If a carbon in a molecule of carbon dioxide from the air is traced into a molecule of glucose inside a fungal cell, the carbon must have gone through an algae in order to get into the fungus.
Fungi generally do not have the ability to fix carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. However, they are able to form a symbiotic relationship with algae through an organism known as lichen.
In lichen, the fungi and the algae enter a mutually beneficial relationship in which the fungi provide moisture and nutrient to the algae and in turn, the algae provide food to the fungi out of the sugar produced from photosynthesis.
Hence, a carbon traced from the air to a fungi most likely passed through an algae as a result of symbiotic relationship between the two organisms.
Final answer:
The carbon from CO₂ can be incorporated into a fungal cell's glucose through the decomposition of plant material, which initially fixes the carbon during photosynthesis. Fungi break down difficult-to-digest components like cellulose and lignin in dead plants, facilitating nutrient cycling.
Explanation:
The carbon in a molecule of carbon dioxide from the air can be incorporated into a molecule of glucose inside a fungal cell primarily through the process of photosynthesis performed by plants. Plants absorb CO₂ during photosynthesis to produce glucose and oxygen. When plants die and decompose, fungi with their specialized enzymes break down the plant material, releasing and utilizing the glucose molecules stored within. This way, the trace path of carbon from the atmosphere into a fungus does not necessitate passing through any other organism besides the decaying plant that the fungus decomposes.
Fungi are important decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter such as wood containing cellulose and lignin, which are difficult for other organisms to digest. The resulting glucose serves not only as a nutritional source for the fungus but also contributes to the cycling of nutrients within the ecosystem.
Some fungi can further contribute to ecosystem health through bioremediation, breaking down pollutants like diesel oil and heavy metals such as cadmium and lead.