Two different species of plants X and Y live together as if they are parts of the same plant Z. The plant X is an autotroph whereas plant Y is a saprophyte . The plant Y holds the cells of X in its mat of web-like hyphae and supplies water and minerals to cells of plants X . the plant X makes food by photosynthesis and shares it with plant Y
What could plants Y be?

Answer

To determine what plant Y could be, we can break down the information provided in the question step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Characteristics of Plant X**:
- Plant X is described as an autotroph, which means it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. This indicates that Plant X is likely a green plant or an organism capable of photosynthesis.

2. **Identify the Characteristics of Plant Y**:
- Plant Y is described as a saprophyte. Saprophytes are organisms that obtain their nutrients from decaying organic matter. This suggests that Plant Y does not perform photosynthesis and instead relies on decomposing material for its nutrition.

3. **Understanding the Relationship**:
- The question states that Plant Y holds the cells of Plant X in a web-like structure called hyphae and supplies water and minerals to Plant X. This indicates a symbiotic relationship where Plant Y supports Plant X by providing essential nutrients.

4. **Recognizing the Symbiotic Relationship**:
- The combination of an autotroph (Plant X) and a saprophyte (Plant Y) that live together and support each other is characteristic of lichens. Lichens are a symbiotic association between algae (which are autotrophs) and fungi (which are saprophytes).

5. **Conclude the Identity of Plant Y**:
- Since Plant Y is a saprophyte that forms a network of hyphae and supports Plant X (the autotroph), it can be concluded that Plant Y is a fungus.

### Final Answer:
Plant Y could be a fungus.