Question

Name the type of association that the genus Glomus exhibits with higher plants.

Answer 1

Hint:- Glomus is a part of the genus of mycorrhizal fungi, and all species form symbiotic relationships with plant roots. An arbuscular mycorrhiza is a type of mycorrhiza in which fungi penetrates the roots of the vascular plant forming arbuscules.

Complete step-by-step solution:- Glomus is present in the family Glomeraceae. It is related to fossil fungus. All glomus species are symbionts. They depend on the plant root to complete their life cycle. Glomus species are usually found in all plants present in the arable land, grasslands, tropical forests, tundras, and deserts. These types of fungi provide benefits to the plant host it resides in. They help the plant to become drought and disease resistant. They also improve the nutrient uptake of the plant.
The symbiotic relation means that both the host and parasite live in close association with each other without one harming the other. The glomus species produce spores on the hyphae inside the host root or outside the root in the soil. If spores are present inside the host root then the spores grow to form branched hyphal structures which increase the nutrient uptake of the plant.
If the spores are present in the soil then they grow to penetrate the root cells and grow further in between those cells. The fungus also forms swollen structures that work as food storage organs. The genus Glomus exhibit symbiotic associations with higher plants.

Note:- The following are the types of associations seen in living organisms:
1. Symbiotic association refers to a condition where two or more organisms live together. Their relationship can be mutualistic, parasitic, or can be in commensalism.
2. A mutualistic relationship is when both the organisms are benefited.
3. Parasitism is when one is benefited and the other is harmed.
4. Commensalism is when one is benefited and the other is neither harmed nor benefitted.