To digest the food that lies in external medium a saprophyte secretes

Options

A. Enzymes
B. Hormones
C. Sugar
D. None of the above.

Answer

To digest the food that lies in the external medium, a saprophyte secretes enzymes. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the process:

1. **Definition of Saprophytes**: Saprophytes are organisms that feed on dead and decaying organic matter. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down complex organic materials.

2. **Role of Enzymes**: To digest food externally, saprophytes secrete enzymes into their environment. These enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate the breakdown of complex organic substances.

3. **Process of Digestion**: The enzymes secreted by saprophytes act on the complex organic matter, breaking it down into simpler molecules through a process known as catabolism. This process is essential for the decomposition of organic material.

4. **Absorption of Nutrients**: Once the complex substances are broken down into simpler components, these smaller molecules can be easily absorbed by the saprophyte's cells for nutrition.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that saprophytes secrete enzymes to digest food in the external medium.