The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Saprotrophic nutrition is a specific mode of heterotrophic nutrition found in organisms such as fungi (e.g., mushrooms, yeast, bread mould) and many bacteria. These organisms derive nutrients from dead and decaying organic matter through a process distinct from holozoic nutrition.
- Statement 1 is Correct: Saprotrophs do not ingest solid food. Instead, they perform extracellular digestion. They break down complex organic molecules into simpler substances outside their bodies before absorption takes place.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: While the digestive enzymes are synthesized within the cells, saprotrophs secrete these digestive juices onto the external food source (the substrate). Digestion does not occur inside the body; the enzymes act on the organic matter in the external environment.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The external digestive enzymes convert the solid organic matter into simple, soluble substances. The organism then absorbs these nutrients in solution form through its body surface (e.g., through the cell wall or hyphae).
Key Takeaway: The defining characteristic of saprotrophs is extracellular digestion, where enzymes are released onto dead matter to solubilize nutrients, which are subsequently absorbed in liquid form.