Concept explainers
In what way(s) do mycorrhizal
In what way(s) do plants benefit the fungi?
To describe:
The ways by which the mycorrhizal fungi benefit plants.
Introduction:
Fungus is a eukaryotic heterotrophic organism that falls under the kingdom Fungi. This organism either forms a symbiotic or parasitic relationship with animals or plants and some fungi occurs as free-living in water or soil. The examples of fungi are mildews, molds, yeasts, rusts, mushrooms, and so on. The reproduction of fungus occurs as both sexual and asexual reproduction, which produces spores. Many fungi play an important role in the field of biochemistry, genetic engineering, metabolism, and medicine.
Explanation of Solution
The body structure of the fungi is generally made up of multicellular filaments that consist of the filamentous network called as hyphae. This structure combines and forms a mass of filaments called as mycelium. The hyphae are divided into cells by the structure called as septa that contain spores through which the nutrients are passed. Mycorrhizal Fungi contain special hyphae that involve in the trapping of roots and stems of plants. This fungus shares the symbiotic relationship or mutualistic association with the plants thereby it both gains and provides the nutrients for the growth process. After colonizing, the mycorrhizal fungi increase the surface area in the roots of the plants, and thereby it provides the inorganic phosphate ions, organic nitrogen, water, and other minerals to the plants. It also involves in the aeration of lands through gas exchange and thereby it increases the yield of plants.
To describe:
The ways by which the plants benefit the fungi.
Explanation of Solution
The body structure of the fungi is generally made up of multicellular filaments that consist of the filamentous network called as hyphae. This structure combines and forms a mass of filaments called as mycelium. Mycorrhizal Fungi contain the special hyphae that involve in the trapping of roots and stems of plants. This fungus shares the symbiotic relationship or mutualistic association with the plants and thereby it both gains and provides the nutrients for the growth process. Since it is a mutualistic association, the plants provide the organic nutrients and carbohydrates as a carbon source and energy to the fungi through photosynthesis.
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