What type of fungicides are absorbed by the plant and distributed internally to prevent disease infection?

The correct answer is systemic fungicides, which are designed to be absorbed by the plant and then translocated throughout its tissues. This internal distribution allows the fungicide to protect not just the surface of the plant but also the inner tissues where pathogens might establish infection.

Systemic fungicides offer a more comprehensive approach to disease management compared to contact fungicides, which only remain on the plant's surface and must directly come into contact with the pathogen. Preventive and protective fungicides, while essential aspects of fungicide use, do not inherently refer to the absorption and internal distribution of the chemical within the plant. Instead, they describe the timing and strategy of application, focusing on preventing disease before it occurs or providing a physical barrier against infection.