Question

Mycorrhizal fungi, which form a mutualistic association with many plant roots, are particularly sensitive to the effects of acid rain. These fungi facilitate the absorption of water and nutrients by the plants; in turn, the plants provide sugars and amino acids without which the fungi could not survive.

The relationship between mycorrhizal fungi

• A. One partner benefits from the association and the other partner is harmed
• B. One partner benefits from the association and the other partner is neither harmed nor helped
• C. One partner preys upon the other partner
• D. Both partners benefit from the association
• E. Neither partner benefits from the association

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both partners benefit from the association

Mycorrhizae are the symbiotic fungi that reside in roots of higher plants and increase soil fertility by nitrogen fixation and also increase water and mineral absorption by plant roots. Fungi are beneffited by this association as they get sugar and amino acids. Both partners are benefitted; association is symbiosis.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.