Asked by Ranz Nyle Cortez on Apr 26, 2024
Verified
How do plants benefit from a mycorrhizal partnership with a soil fungus?
A) The fungus provides sugars.
B) The fungus participates in photosynthesis.
C) They receive digestive enzymes.
D) The fungus increases the absorptive surface area of the plant and provides water and nutrients.
E) The fungus protects the plant from pathogens.
Mycorrhizal Partnership
A symbiotic association between a fungus and the roots of a plant, helping the plant absorb nutrients from the soil more efficiently.
Absorptive Surface Area
The total area through which absorption of nutrients and drugs can occur, increased by structures like villi in the intestinal tract.
Nutrients
Substances that provide nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of life.
- Interpret the cooperative relationships fungi engage in with different species, highlighted by their participation in lichens and mycorrhizae.
Verified Answer
JG
Jackara GreeneApr 30, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
The mycorrhizal fungus attaches to the roots of the plant and extends its hyphae into the soil, increasing the surface area for absorption of water and nutrients. In return, the fungus receives sugars produced by the plant through photosynthesis. This mutually beneficial partnership improves the ability of both organisms to obtain necessary resources.
Learning Objectives
- Interpret the cooperative relationships fungi engage in with different species, highlighted by their participation in lichens and mycorrhizae.