Question

How is Mycorrhizal association helpful in the absorption of water and minerals?

Answer 1

Mycorrhizal relation between fungal hyphae and vascular plants is a kind of facultative mutualism. In this relation, the fungus gets nutrients and hormones from the host tree. In return, it supplies synthetic materials and also serves as its root hair for its absorption. This fungus-plant alliance stimulates plant growth and accelerates root development. Thus they indirectly help in enhancing plant nutrition. The hyphae of fungi increase the surface area for absorption.

Complete step by step answer:
Mycorrhizae are able to create a massive connection between the roots of a plant and with the surrounding soil, which allows the fungus to uptake nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus for the plant and increase the surface area of the roots. This increase in the area within the soil will increase the availability of nutrients and water for the plant’s consumption. Since nutrients and water are needed for plant growth, the mycorrhizal interaction can lead to an increase in the growth of the plant. A plant with a mycorrhizae interaction will be able to increase its nutrient and water uptake, while a plant without this mutual interaction will have to rely on its roots for the uptake of materials. Mycorrhizae form a network of filaments that associate with plant roots and draw nutrients from the soil that the root system would not be able to access otherwise. The fungi colonize the root system of a host plant, providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities while the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates formed from photosynthesis.

Additional Information:
- In general, the association between fungi and root of vascular plants is a kind of facultative mutualism which means both of them can survive in separation and their association is not necessary for their existence.
- Some plants possess an obligate association with these mycorrhizae e.g., Pinus seeds do not germinate and establish without mycorrhizal association.
- In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus colonizes the host plant’s root tissues, either intracellularly or extracellularly.

Note:
- Obligatory mutualism is a compulsory relation. It involves constant physical association and initiates physiological relations between partners.
- In particular species or in particular circumstances mycorrhizae may have a parasitic association with host plants.
- In parasitic association one species derives some biological requirements from another.