Question

How do fungi break down leaves, fruit, and other organic material into simple molecules?

Answer 1

Fungi are eukaryotic and saprophytic microorganisms that grow on dead and decaying matter. These organisms release digestive enzymes that break down  leaves, fruit and other organic material into simple molecules. These can grow on wood, clothes, food, fruits, leather shoes, etc by breaking down complex organic matter into simpler forms with the help of extracellular digestive enzymes such as cellulases, proteases, phosphatases, etc.