Question

In mycorrhiza, the fungal hyphae

• A. Remain restricted to the root surface.
• B. Remain restricted upto the root cortex.
• C. Pass into the root interior.
• D. Enter the root apex and reach all parts.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Remain restricted upto the root cortex.

• Mycorrhizal fungi can form structures either on the outside (ectomycorrhizae) or inside (endo mycorrhizae) of plant roots. On the host root surface, it forms a specific appressorium – the hyphopodium.
• Fungal hyphae emerging from this hyphopodium penetrate into the root through the prepenetration apparatus, which guides the fungal hyphae through the root cells toward the cortex.
• In the cortex, the hyphae enter the apoplast, and grow laterally along the root axis, and penetrate into inner root cortical cells.

So the correct answer is option B.