Its function is to produce spores, which are reproductive cells. When the environmental conditions are favorable, the spores will germinate and produce new fungi. Fungi need to live very close to their food supply and ingest their nutrients by absorption. In this mode of nutrition, hyphae secrete acids and enzymes outside of the body which digests the food so it can be absorbed and used. Fungi are specialized as saprophytes, parasites, or in a mutualistic association with another organism.
Saprophytes absorb nutrients from dead leaves, on rotting wood, or in dung or compost heaps.
Parasitic fungi absorb nutrients from the body fluids of living organisms. Most of these cause harm to the plant or animal they feed on. Mutualistic fungi absorbs nutrients from the organism, but the fungi repays it by aiding in the uptake of minerals from the solid. Because of this characteristic, they can be studied by means of spore prints. Place a mature mushroom cap on a piece of black or colored paper.