Term for roots living in symbiotic relationships with fungus?

Term for roots living in symbiotic relationships with fungus?

• A. Saprophytes
• B. Mycorrhizae (fungus roots)
• C. Rhizobia
• D. Endophytes

Answer: (B)

The concept here is mycorrhizal associations, where plant roots partner with fungi. In these relationships, fungal hyphae envelop or penetrate the roots and extend far into the soil, dramatically increasing the surface area for water and nutrient uptake—especially phosphorus and micronutrients. In return, the plant supplies the fungus with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. This mutualistic bond is common across many plant species and helps both partners thrive in nutrient-poor soils. Saprophytes feed on dead organic matter rather than living roots, so they don’t describe a root–fungus partnership. Rhizobia are nitrogen-fixing bacteria that form nodules on legume roots, not fungi. Endophytes live inside plant tissues, which can include fungi, but the classic term for the root–fungus relationship described here is mycorrhizae.

The concept here is mycorrhizal associations, where plant roots partner with fungi. In these relationships, fungal hyphae envelop or penetrate the roots and extend far into the soil, dramatically increasing the surface area for water and nutrient uptake—especially phosphorus and micronutrients. In return, the plant supplies the fungus with carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis. This mutualistic bond is common across many plant species and helps both partners thrive in nutrient-poor soils.

Saprophytes feed on dead organic matter rather than living roots, so they don’t describe a root–fungus partnership. Rhizobia are nitrogen-fixing bacteria that form nodules on legume roots, not fungi. Endophytes live inside plant tissues, which can include fungi, but the classic term for the root–fungus relationship described here is mycorrhizae.