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Mutualism Between a Fungus & a Plant Root
Mutualism Between a Fungus & a Plant Root. Plants survive by absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, a process in which they receive the help of fungi called mycorrhizae. Ninety percent of vascular land plants have mycorrhizal fungi on their roots, according to the New York Botanical Garden.
Plants survive by absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, a process in which they receive the help of fungi called mycorrhizae. Ninety percent of vascular land plants have mycorrhizal fungi on their roots, according to the New York Botanical Garden.
Function
Mycorrhizal fungi occupy the roots of plants, extending the reach of the roots into the soil and allowing the plant to access more water and nutrients than the root system can reach. In exchange for these essentials, plants provide the fungus with sugars produced by photosynthesis.
Types
Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a net around plant roots but do not enter the root cells. These fungi are especially common in northern, temperate forests. Endomycorrhizal fungi penetrate the roots, making it easier for the fungus and plant to swap nutrients. These fungi colonize tropical and grassland plants.
Benefits
Mycorrhizal fungi allow plants to survive in environments where nutrients and water are in short supply. According to the New York Botanical Garden, plants would not be able to survive in most environments without the help of mycorrhizal fungi.
