Question

How are plants showing symbiotic association benefitted?

Answer 1

Symbiotic association:

1. Symbiosis is the phenomenon by which two organisms maintain the relationship with each other to be mutually benefited.
2. In symbiotic mode, organisms develop a special relationship with certain other organisms to obtain nourishment.
3. Organisms involved in this type of relationship are called as symbionts.
4. Example: Rhizobium bacteria and Leguminous plants are symbionts exhibiting symbiosis.
5. Plants can not directly utilize nitrogen present in the atmosphere. Hence, leguminous plants establish a symbiotic relationship with bacteria like Rhizobium.
6. Leguminous plant provides shelter and nourishment for the bacteria and in turn bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen to the plant.

Benefits obtained by plants from symbiotic association:

1. Many fungi form symbiotic relationships with plants, such as mycorrhiza.
2. Mycorrhiza may be from several members of the genus Glomus.
3. In such associations, the fungal symbiont absorbs phosphorus from the soil and sends it to the plant.
4. Plants with these associations show other benefits as well such as tolerance to drought and salinity, resistance to root-borne pathogens and overall increase in plant growth and development.