Which microscopic structures are responsible for wood degradation by fungi?

The correct answer is hyphae, as they are the filamentous structures that make up the body of fungi. These microscopic structures serve as the primary means through which fungi grow and invade their surroundings. In the context of wood degradation, hyphae penetrate wood fibers and secrete enzymes that break down cellulose, lignin, and other components of wood, thus facilitating decomposition.

Mycelium, which is often considered a collective mass of hyphae, is also crucial in the broader context of fungal growth and nutrient absorption, but it is the individual hyphae that are specifically responsible for penetrating and degrading wood tissue. Using terms like spiracles, which are associated with breathing in insects, or filaments, which can refer to various thread-like structures but aren’t specific to fungi, would not accurately identify the specific microscopic structures that fungi use to degrade wood. Hyphae are the key players in this process.