Question

Mycorrhiza is a Symbiotic association between
A. Algae and Fungi
B. Algae and Roots of Plants
C. Fungi and Roots of Plants
D. Viruses and Bacteria

Answer 1

Symbiosis is the “living together” of two or more organisms. Symbiotic associations include parasitic and commensal as well as mutually beneficial partnerships.

**Complete answer :**
In this question we have asked about mycorrhiza which is a symbiotic association. So, first of all what is symbiotic association. Symbiosis is any type of a close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms, be it mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic. Now, what is mycorrhiza? The term mycorrhiza refers to the role of the fungus in the plant's rhizosphere, its root system. Mycorrhizae play important roles in plant nutrition, soil biology and soil chemistry. In a mycorrhizal association, the fungus colonizes the host plant's root tissues, either intracellularly as in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF or AM), or extra cellularly as in ectomycorrhizal fungi. The association is sometimes mutualistic. In particular species or in particular circumstances mycorrhizae may have a parasitic association with host plants.
So, our first option is algae and fungi which is wrong. The symbiotic Association of algae and fungi is lichen not mycorrhiza. Second option is Symbiosis between algae and plant, which is also wrong because mycorrhiza is an association between fungi and plant. Third option is fungi and root of the plant which is absolutely correct. As we already mentioned, mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between fungi and root of the plant. Next option is symbiosis between virus and bacteria. The symbiotic association between bacteria and virus is parasitism.

>The correct option is C fungi and root of plants.

Note: Mycorrhizae are particularly important in assisting the host plant with the uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen, two nutrients vital to plant growth. Mycorrhizae actually increase the surface area associated with the plant root, which allows the plant to reach nutrients and water that might not be available otherwise.