Question

How does fungus associated with the roots of Pinus get benefitted?

Answer 1

Association between fungus and roots of higher plants:

1. This association between fungus and roots of higher plants such as Pinus is termed mycorrhiza.
2. Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association.
3. Symbiotic association refers to that kind of association in which both the organisms get mutually benefitted.
4. In the case of mycorrhiza, both the plant and the fungus get benefits from each other.

Benefits of mycorrhizal association:

1. The fungus associated with the Pinus plant provides its roots with plenty of nutrients and water.
2. Fungus makes the nutrients and water available to the roots of the plant in ample amounts.
3. Some of the sugars that are produced during the process of photosynthesis help in water absorption by the roots of the plants and here, the fungi play an important role, as the sugar gets shared with the fungi thus facilitating the absorption of water.
4. In return for this, the fungus derives its food from the plant and the plant also provides shelter to the associated fungus.