Chapter 20, Problem 28A

Summary Introduction

To write:The term that describes a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant root.

Introduction:Some of the largest and oldest species on Earth belong to the Kingdom Fungi. In eastern Oregon there is a honey fungus that is so large it's called the "Humongous Fungus." most of those fungi are heterotrophic eukaryotes. More than 100,000 species of fungi are found.

Explanation of Solution

Mycorrhizae is a symbiotic relationship between a particular fungus and the roots of a plant. Plants with Mycorrhizae are stronger and more active than plants without Mycorrhizae which are related. Some plant species, such as orchids, cannot live without shared partners. Orchid seeds do not germinate until they are infected with or provided with fungal carbohydrate trehalose by a fungal partner.

Conclusion

Mycorrhiza signifies the symbiotic association between a fungus and a plant root. The fungus absorbs and concentrates different minerals in the soil. The fungal hypha often elevates the plant's root surface for water and nutrient absorption.