What fungal structure functions in absorbing nutrients from the environment Solution Fungi are unicellular or multi-cellular thick-cell-walled heterotrophy decomposers that eat decaying matter Hyphae absorb nutrients from the environment and transport them to other parts of the thallus or fungus body. Hyphae are long tubular structures. They have rigid cell walls that may be reinforced by perforated cross-walls called septa. Hyphae perform a variety of functions in fungi. They contain the cytoplasm or cell sap, including the nuclei containing genetic material.