Question

Mycorrhiza is a mutualistic association. How do the organisms involved in this association benefit from each other?

Answer 1

Mycorrhizae:

Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic association between the roots of higher plants and fungus.


Benefit to the plant:

The fungi (which is achlorophyllous) has a direct access to glucose and sucrose from the plant. Thus the plant is a source of food for the fungal component.

Benefit to the fungal component:

The fungal hyphae helps in mobilisation of phosphorus for the plant. Phosphorus is an important component of nucleic acid and cell membrane. Hence, fungi helps in the absorption of water and minerals.