If the solute concentration in the cytoplasm of a fungal hypha and a bacterial cell are equal, then an environmental solute concentration that is _______ would favor fungal growth over bacterial growth.
A) higher
B) lower
C) the same
D) either lower or higher
E) the same or lower

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fungi have a thicker cell wall than bacteria, which can act as a semi-permeable barrier to the passage of solutes. Therefore, fungi are better equipped to resist changes in solute concentration in their environment. If the solute concentration in the cytoplasm of a fungal hypha and a bacterial cell are equal, then an environmental solute concentration that is higher would favor fungal growth over bacterial growth. This is because the fungal cell wall would be better equipped to withstand the higher concentration of solute in the environment compared to the thinner bacterial cell wall.

If the Solute Concentration in the Cytoplasm of a Fungal