Summary
Symbiosis between fungal hyphae and plant roots that improves nutrient and water uptake.
In depth
Ectomycorrhizae surround roots and arbuscular mycorrhizae enter root cells. Fungi extend the absorptive surface, especially for phosphorus, in exchange for sugars. About 80 to 90 percent of land plants have them.
Plants can share carbon with fungi equal to 20 percent of photosynthate. Fungi mobilise phosphate and protect against pathogens.
Example: forest trees depend on ectomycorrhizal fungi.
Plants with mycorrhizae can access phosphorus and water in soil pores too small for roots, and the fungi receive up to 20 percent of the plant's photosynthate. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomeromycota) are ancient (400 million years) and associated with most crops, whereas ectomycorrhizae occur in trees such as pine, oak and birch, and include truffles. Orchid seeds need mycorrhizal fungi to germinate.
Hyphal networks may connect plants (the wood wide web), moving carbon and signals, though the extent of benefits is debated. Fertiliser and tillage reduce mycorrhizae; inoculants are used in forestry and horticulture.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mycorrhizae?
Symbiosis between fungal hyphae and plant roots that improves nutrient and water uptake.
Which area of biology covers Mycorrhizae, and how advanced is it?
Mycorrhizae is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Microorganisms, Fungi, Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria.
Why does Mycorrhizae matter?
Mycorrhizae are important in plant nutrition and soil structure, and most land plants depend on them.
Can you give an example of Mycorrhizae?
Truffles are fruiting bodies of ectomycorrhizal fungi.
What should I learn before Mycorrhizae?
Work through the Beginner topics in Microbiology first, such as Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, then return to Mycorrhizae. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Mycorrhizae?
The closest topics to Mycorrhizae are Microorganisms, Fungi, Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria, Probiotics. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Mycorrhizae?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Mycorrhizae. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
How is Mycorrhizae different from Microorganisms?
Mycorrhizae: Symbiosis between fungal hyphae and plant roots that improves nutrient and water uptake. Microorganisms: Living things too small to see without a microscope, including bacteria, archaea, protists, fungi and microscopic algae. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Mycorrhizae step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Microorganisms and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.