mycorrhiza

Examples of mycorrhiza in the following topics:

• Mycorrhizae: The Symbiotic Relationship between Fungi and Roots

  • Mycorrhizae, known as root fungi, form symbiotic associations with plant roots.
  • Mycorrhizae function as a physical barrier to pathogens.
  • There are two types of mycorrhizae: ectomycorrhizae and endomycorrhizae.
  • This type of mycorrhizae is found in forest trees, especially conifers, birches, and oaks.
  • Hyphae proliferate within the mycorrhizae, which appears as off-white fuzz in this image.

• Mutualistic Relationships with Fungi and Fungivores

  • There are a number of types of mycorrhizae.
  • In a second type, the Glomeromycete fungi form vesicular–arbuscular interactions with arbuscular mycorrhiza (sometimes called endomycorrhizae).
  • In these mycorrhiza, the fungi form arbuscules that penetrate root cells and are the site of the metabolic exchanges between the fungus and the host plant.
  • Orchids rely on a third type of mycorrhiza.
  • (a) Ectomycorrhiza and (b) arbuscular mycorrhiza have different mechanisms for interacting with the roots of plants.

• Characteristics of Fungi

  • The roots of the plant connect with the underground parts of the fungus forming mycorrhizae.
  • Through mycorrhizae, the fungus and plant exchange nutrients and water, greatly aiding the survival of both species Alternatively, lichens are an association between a fungus and its photosynthetic partner (usually an alga).

• Glomeromycota

  • It appears that most members of this family form arbuscular mycorrhizae: the hyphae interact with the root cells forming a mutually-beneficial association where the plants supply the carbon source and energy in the form of carbohydrates to the fungus while the fungus supplies essential minerals from the soil to the plant.

• Nutrients from Other Sources

  • Instead, they parasitize mycorrhizae or other fungi that digest dead matter, ultimately obtaining photosynthate from a fungus that derived photosynthate from its host.
  • A symbiont is a plant in a symbiotic relationship with other organisms, such as mycorrhizae (with fungi) or nodule formation.

• Evolution of Land Plants

  • Plants also established early symbiotic relationships with fungi, creating mycorrhizae: a relationship in which the fungal network of filaments increases the efficiency of the plant root system.

• Abscisic Acid, Ethylene, and Nontraditional Hormones

  • Strigolactones also play a role in the establishment of mycorrhizae, a mutualistic association of plant roots and fungi.